Creatine generally begins to show initial performance-enhancing effects within about one to four weeks of consistent use. The typical noticeable improvements in muscle strength, endurance, and exercise performance emerge mostly after two to four weeks. There are two common approaches to creatine supplementation that affect how quickly it works:

• Loading Phase: Taking a higher dose (around 20 grams per day) for 5 to 7 days can saturate muscle creatine stores faster, leading to results in about one week.
• Maintenance Phase Only: Taking a regular daily dose of 3 to 5 grams without loading will also work but typically takes about 2 to 4 weeks to see noticeable effects.

Individual factors such as hydration, workout intensity, body composition, genetics, diet, and supplement quality also influence how quickly creatine works. In summary, creatine can start working within a week if a loading phase is used, but if taking a standard daily dose only, results usually appear around 2 to 4 weeks.