Carbon Sequestration Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the carbon sequestration calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Carbon Sequestration Calculator

Formulas Used

Annual CO2 Sequestered

annual_co2 = annual_seq

Total CO2 Over Period

total_co2 = total_seq

Total per Acre

per_acre_total = total_seq / area_acres

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
area_acresArea(acres)100
seq_rateSequestration Rate(tons CO2/acre/year)2.5
yearsTime Period(years)10
annual_seqDerived value= area_acres * seq_ratecalculated
total_seqDerived value= annual_seq * yearscalculated

How It Works

How to Calculate Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2 in plants, soil, and geological formations.

Typical Rates (tons CO2/acre/year)

  • Temperate forests: 1.5-3.5
  • Tropical forests: 3-8
  • Grasslands: 0.5-1.5
  • Agricultural soil (cover crops): 0.3-1.0

    • Formula

    Annual Sequestration = Area (acres) * Rate (tons CO2/acre/year)

    Worked Example

    A 100-acre temperate forest sequestering 2.5 tons CO2/acre/year over 10 years.

    area_acres = 100seq_rate = 2.5years = 10
    1. 01Annual sequestration: 100 * 2.5 = 250 metric tons CO2/year
    2. 02Total over 10 years: 250 * 10 = 2,500 metric tons CO2
    3. 03Per acre total: 2,500 / 100 = 25 tons/acre

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Carbon Sequestration Calculator