Keg Serving Pressure Calculator

How It Works

A balanced draft system means the CO2 pressure pushing beer out of the keg is exactly matched by the resistance in the beer lines. If pressure is too high relative to resistance, beer pours foamy. If pressure is too low, beer pours flat and slow. The main resistance comes from the beer line itself — 3/16" vinyl tubing provides about 2.2 PSI of resistance per foot, making it ideal for home kegerators. Wider tubing has less resistance and requires longer runs. Vertical height adds 0.5 PSI per foot of rise. The goal is: Serving PSI (which equals carbonation equilibrium PSI) should roughly equal total line resistance. Adjust line length to achieve balance.