Radiocarbon dating: radioactive carbon decays to nitrogen with a half-life of 5730 years. In dead material, the decayed 14C is not replaced and its concentration in the object decreases slowly. To obtain a truly absolute chronology, corrections must be made, provided by measurements on samples of know age.

How do I get something carbon dated?

Radiocarbon dating is the most common method by far, according to experts. This method involves measuring quantities of carbon-14, a radioactive carbon isotope — or version of an atom with a different number of neutrons. Carbon-14 is ubiquitous in the environment.

How long does it take to carbon date something?

Typically, about 1 � 3 days of counting time is required. In spite of many uncertainties, this method gives fairly good idea about the age of the sample up to about 60000 years.