Commute Emissions Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the commute emissions calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Annual Commute CO2
co2_tons = co2_lbs / 2204.6Annual Commute Distance
annual_distance = annual_milesAnnual Fuel Used
fuel_used = annual_gallonsVariables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
commute_miles | One-Way Commute Distance(miles) | 15 |
days_per_week | Commute Days per Week | 5 |
weeks_per_year | Work Weeks per Year | 50 |
mpg | Vehicle Fuel Economy(mpg) | 28 |
annual_miles | Derived value= commute_miles * 2 * days_per_week * weeks_per_year | calculated |
annual_gallons | Derived value= annual_miles / mpg | calculated |
co2_lbs | Derived value= annual_gallons * 19.6 | calculated |
How It Works
How to Calculate Commute Emissions
Your daily commute can be a significant part of your personal carbon footprint.
Formula
Annual CO2 = (Distance * 2 * Days/Week * Weeks/Year) / MPG * 19.6 lbs/gallon / 2,204.6
Multiply one-way distance by 2 for round trip, divide total miles by fuel economy to get gallons, then multiply by 19.6 lbs CO2 per gallon.
Worked Example
A 15-mile one-way commute, 5 days/week, 50 weeks/year, in a 28 mpg car.
commute_miles = 15days_per_week = 5weeks_per_year = 50mpg = 28
- 01Annual miles: 15 * 2 * 5 * 50 = 7,500 miles
- 02Gallons used: 7,500 / 28 = 267.9 gallons
- 03CO2: 267.9 * 19.6 = 5,250 lbs = 2.38 metric tons/year
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Commute Emissions Calculator