Carbonation occurs naturally in beer since yeast produce carbon dioxide along with alcohol when they eat sugar. Giving the yeast a specific amount of sugar just before bottling produces exactly the amount of carbonation needed. The amount of carbonation you get depends on the amount of sugar you add.

How long does it take for beer to become carbonated?

After you have bottled your beer it generally takes 2-3 weeks for the carbonation process to be completed. This can vary depending on which type of beer you are making but is a good rule of thumb. Make sure you research bottle carbonation times depending on which beer you are brewing.

How do you know when your beer is carbonated?

Quickly turn the bottle upside down then back again, with a slight amount of force, but no need to shake it. Observe the air gap in the bottle and notice the amount, if any, of bubbles forming at the top of the beer. If the beer is lighter in color, also notice the bubbles floating to the top.