Keg carbonation
Keg pressure for 2.6 volumes of CO2 at 42F
To hold 2.6 volumes of CO2 at 42F, set the regulator to 14.4 psi and leave it connected.
This is the equilibrium pressure: at 14.4 psi and 42F the beer neither gains nor loses carbonation, however long it sits.
Pressure at 42F by carbonation level
| Volumes of CO2 | Pressure | Typical of | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 7.7 psi | British ale | Standard |
| 2.2 | 10 psi | amber ale | Standard |
| 2.4 | 12.2 psi | pale ale and IPA | Standard |
| 2.6 | 14.4 psi | lager | Standard |
| 2.8 | 16.7 psi | Belgian ale | Standard |
Rows marked Standard come from a published equation, constant or manufacturer specification. Rows marked Convention are widely repeated brewing practice with no governing document behind them. The difference matters, so this site labels it rather than blurring the two together.
Before you do this
A CO2 cylinder is a high pressure vessel. Secure it upright so it cannot fall, never modify a valve or regulator, and have cylinders inspected and filled by a qualified supplier.
Kegging and gas gear
Prices are those returned when this page was last built and change often.
SPARC Premium Dual CO2 Regulator
Two output CO2 regulator, which lets you hold two kegs at different pressures from one tank.
SPARC Gen2 Premium CO2 Regulator
Single output CO2 keg regulator with a CGA-320 inlet.
Ferroday Dual Gauge CO2 Regulator (0 to 60 psi)
Dual gauge regulator showing both tank pressure and output pressure, with a CGA-320 fitting.
Ferroday 0 to 120 PSI Dual Gauge CO2 Regulator
Higher range dual gauge regulator, useful when burst carbonating.
WELLBOM Dual Output CO2 Regulator (CGA-320)
Two output draft regulator with independent gauges.
GANCOWISE 5 lb Aluminum CO2 Tank (DOT, CGA320)
DOT approved five pound aluminium CO2 cylinder with a CGA320 valve. Ships empty and is filled locally.
TMCRAFT 5 lb CO2 Tank (DOT aluminum, CGA-320)
Five pound DOT aluminium cylinder with a CGA-320 valve, supplied empty.
Luxfer 5 lb Aluminum CO2 Cylinder (CGA320)
Luxfer aluminium cylinder, a long established cylinder manufacturer, with a CGA320 valve.
Victory 5 lb Aluminum CO2 Tank (CGA320)
Five pound aluminium CO2 tank with a CGA320 valve.
VEVOR 5 lb Aluminum CO2 Tank (CGA320)
Budget five pound aluminium cylinder with a CGA320 valve.
TMCRAFT 5 Gallon Ball Lock Corny Keg
New stainless ball lock keg with dual rubber handles, the standard homebrew serving vessel.
Hilangsan 5 Gallon Cornelius Keg
Stainless ball lock corny keg at entry pricing.
MRbrew 5 Gallon Ball Lock Keg
New stainless cornelius keg sized to hold a standard five gallon batch.
TMCRAFT 5 Gallon Ball Lock Kegs (2 pack)
Two new stainless ball lock kegs, which lets you serve one while the next conditions.
Ferroday 5 Gallon Ball Lock Kegs (2 pack)
Pair of upgraded corny kegs for brewers running more than one beer.
Ferroday 5 ft Ball Lock Beer Line with Picnic Tap
Assembled liquid line with a ball lock disconnect and a picnic tap, which is all you need to pour before a tower exists.
MRbrew 5 ft Ball Lock Beer Line Kit (3/16 inch)
Three sixteenths inch beer hose and picnic tap assembly, the bore that gives correct pour resistance.
Ball Lock Beer Line and CO2 Gas Line Kit (5 ft each)
Matched liquid and gas line assemblies, which is what a single keg actually needs.
Related on BrewGearCalc
- Keg carbonation calculator
- Keg PSI chart by temperature
- Best kegerators
- Keg pressure for 2 volumes of CO2 at 44F
- Keg pressure for 2.4 volumes of CO2 at 42F
- Keg pressure for 2.2 volumes of CO2 at 44F
- Keg pressure for 2.2 volumes of CO2 at 42F
- Keg pressure for 2.6 volumes of CO2 at 34F
- Keg pressure for 2.6 volumes of CO2 at 38F
Frequently asked questions
- What PSI should I set for 2.6 volumes at 42F?
- 14.4 psi. Set the regulator there and leave the gas connected. The beer will reach 2.6 volumes over roughly one to two weeks and then stay there, because at that pressure and temperature the CO2 going into solution balances the CO2 coming out.
- Why does serving temperature change the pressure?
- Cold beer dissolves CO2 much more readily than warm beer. The same 2.6 volumes needs 14.4 psi at 42F, and noticeably more pressure if the keg warms up. If your kegerator temperature drifts, your carbonation will drift with it unless you move the regulator too.
- Can I carbonate faster than set and forget?
- Yes, by raising the pressure well above the equilibrium figure for a short period, which is usually called burst carbonating. It works but it is easy to overshoot, and an over-carbonated keg takes far longer to correct than it took to create. Set and forget at 14.4 psi is slower and much harder to get wrong.
Researched from published brewing formulas, manufacturer specifications and verified owner reviews. This is general guidance, not professional advice.