Flight Carbon Footprint Calculator
Estimate flight CO₂ with a simplified distance and cabin-class model; results are not route-specific.
Formula and sources updated · Data sources · 2View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
This simplified estimate uses a fixed 90 g CO₂ per passenger-kilometre economy baseline and fixed cabin multipliers. The optional ×1.9 setting is an illustrative scenario adjustment, not an ICAO calculation; route, aircraft, load and airline data are not modeled.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Flight distance 5,500 km · Cabin class Economy (1×) · Number of passengers 1 · Trip type One way · Include radiative forcing Yes (illustrative ×1.9 scenario) CO2 emissions 495.0 kg · Scenario-adjusted impact 940.5 kg · Total distance flown 5,500 km · CO2 emissions 0.495 tonnes · Illustrative car-distance equivalent (assumed 171 g/km) About 5500 km driven in an average petrol car · Illustrative tree-years (assumed 21 kg CO₂/year) 45
Data sources
Disclaimer
These calculators give general estimates. Sizing, pricing, availability and standards vary by brand, retailer and country, so treat the output as a starting point and confirm it against the seller's or authority's own figures.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
E = D × (1 + t) × 0.09 × c × p; trees = ceil(E × (1 + 0.9r) ÷ 21)
- D
- One-way distance (km)
- t
- Return flag (1/0)
- r
- Scenario adjustment flag (1/0)
- c
- Fixed cabin multiplier
- p
- Passengers
- E
- Simplified CO₂ estimate (kg)
- trees
- Illustrative tree-years (21 kg CO₂/year assumed)
The 90 g/km baseline, cabin multipliers, ×1.9 scenario, car comparison, and 21 kg/tree-year are simplified assumptions. The tree-year figure is not an offset recommendation or verified sequestration estimate. Route, aircraft, load, and airline data are not modeled.
Frequently asked questions
How should I interpret the adjusted impact and tree-year estimate?
The calculator uses a simplified 90 g/km baseline, fixed cabin multipliers and an optional ×1.9 scenario. ICAO’s calculator uses route and aircraft data and does not apply a radiative-forcing multiplier. The tree figure divides the modeled amount by an assumed 21 kg CO₂ per tree-year; it is an illustration, not an offset claim.