Flight CO2 Calculator
Estimate the carbon footprint of a flight from distance, cabin class and trip type, with an optional high-altitude multiplier and trees-to-offset figure. Calculates in your browser.
Per passenger
-
Show the math
Emissions scale with distance times an emission factor (kg CO₂ per passenger-km), adjusted for cabin class and trip type:
CO₂e = distance × factor × cabin × (2 if round trip) × RF
Premium cabins take more space, so they carry a bigger share of the plane's footprint. The optional ×1.9 accounts for non-CO₂ warming at altitude. One mature tree absorbs about 21 kg of CO₂ a year.
Estimates use typical load factors and vary by aircraft. Everything is calculated in your browser.
What this does
A flight CO₂ calculator estimates the carbon footprint of a flight from distance, cabin class, and trip type, with an optional high-altitude multiplier and trees-to-offset figure.
How to use it
- Enter the flight distance.
- Choose the cabin class.
- Pick one-way or round trip.
- Read the estimated emissions.
How it works
Distance times a per-passenger-km factor sets the base; premium cabins carry a larger share, and an optional ×1.9 radiative-forcing factor adds non-CO₂ high-altitude warming.
CO₂ = distance × emission factor × class × trip
Understanding your result
The figure is an estimate, and two choices move it most: cabin class, since premium seats take a larger share of the plane, and the altitude multiplier, which nearly doubles the warming effect when included. The most effective reductions are flying less, flying direct, and choosing economy; treat offsets as a partial measure rather than a cancellation of the emissions.
Example
A 5,000 km economy round trip is roughly 0.9 tonnes CO₂ before any altitude multiplier.
Sources & methodology
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How are flight emissions estimated?
Distance is multiplied by an emission factor (kg CO\u2082 per passenger-km) that varies with haul length, then adjusted for cabin class and whether it is a round trip.
Why does cabin class change the result?
Premium seats take up more space, so each passenger carries a larger share of the plane\u2019s footprint, business is roughly three times economy.
What is the high-altitude multiplier?
Emissions at altitude cause extra warming beyond the CO\u2082 itself. The optional \u00d71.9 radiative-forcing factor accounts for these non-CO\u2082 effects.
Is my data kept?
No. Everything is computed locally in your browser.
Related tools
Flight Time Calculator
Estimate how long a flight takes from the distance and cruise ground speed, plus a fixed allowance for taxi, take-off and descent. Calculates in your browser.
Layover Calculator
Check whether your connection time is enough by comparing it to the minimum connection time for your flight type, terminal change and bag re-check. Calculates in your browser.
Baggage Weight Calculator
Add up the weight of your packed items and compare it to your airline allowance, flagging any overweight fee. Calculates in your browser.
Trip Cost Calculator
Build a full holiday budget from flights, lodging, food, local transport and activities, with per-person and per-day breakdowns. Calculates in your browser.