Flight Emissions Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the flight emissions calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Flight Emissions Calculator

Formulas Used

CO2 Emissions (with RF)

co2_metric_tons = with_rf * num_passengers / 2204.6

Total CO2 (lbs)

co2_lbs_total = with_rf * num_passengers

CO2 per Mile

co2_per_mile = with_rf / total_distance

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
distance_milesOne-Way Flight Distance(miles)2500
round_tripRound Trip Multiplier(1 or 2)2
cabin_factorCabin Class Factor(multiplier)1
num_passengersNumber of Travelers1
total_distanceDerived value= distance_miles * round_tripcalculated
base_co2_lbsDerived value= total_distance * 0.44 * cabin_factorcalculated
with_rfDerived value= base_co2_lbs * 1.9calculated

How It Works

How to Calculate Flight Emissions

Air travel emissions depend on distance, cabin class, and the radiative forcing effect at altitude.

Formula

CO2 = Distance * 0.44 lbs/mile * Cabin Factor * 1.9 (RF)

  • 0.44 lbs CO2 per passenger-mile is the commercial aviation average
  • Cabin class: Economy = 1x, Business = 1.5x, First = 3x
  • Radiative forcing (1.9x) accounts for contrails and high-altitude effects

    • Worked Example

    A round-trip economy flight of 2,500 miles each way for one person.

    distance_miles = 2500round_trip = 2cabin_factor = 1num_passengers = 1
    1. 01Total distance: 2,500 * 2 = 5,000 miles
    2. 02Base CO2: 5,000 * 0.44 * 1.0 = 2,200 lbs
    3. 03With radiative forcing: 2,200 * 1.9 = 4,180 lbs
    4. 04In metric tons: 4,180 / 2,204.6 = 1.90 metric tons

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Flight Emissions Calculator