Flying is one of the most carbon-intensive personal activities. Premium seats take more space and so carry a larger share of emissions.
How to use the Flight Carbon Footprint Calculator
- One-way distance
- Cabin class
- Trip
- Emission factor — Long-haul economy averages are around 0.15; short flights are higher per km.
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Distance is multiplied by an emission factor per passenger-kilometre and by a class weighting.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| One-way distance | Units: km, mi |
| Cabin class | Choose one: Economy, Premium economy, Business, First |
| Trip | Choose one: One way, Round trip |
| Emission factor | In kg CO₂/pkm. Long-haul economy averages are around 0.15; short flights are higher per km. |
What each result means
- CO₂ per passenger = [One-way distance]×[Emission factor]×[Cabin class]×[Trip]
- Tree-years to absorb (≈21 kg/yr) = [CO₂ per passenger]÷21
Example values
How the main result changes when One-way distance changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| One-way distance (km) | CO₂ per passenger (kg) |
|---|---|
| 2,750 | 825 |
| 4,125 | 1,238 |
| 5,500 | 1,650 |
| 6,875 | 2,063 |
| 8,250 | 2,475 |
| 11,000 | 3,300 |
Formula
CO₂ = distance × factor × class multiplier × tripsWorked example
Inputs — One-way distance: 5,500 km; Cabin class: Economy; Trip: Round trip; Emission factor: 0.15 kg CO₂/pkm.
Results — CO₂ per passenger = 1,650 kg; Tree-years to absorb (≈21 kg/yr) = 79.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include non-CO₂ effects?
No; contrails and NOx add warming that some methods include with a multiplier.
Why are short flights worse per km?
Take-off and climb use a lot of fuel.
What formula does the Flight Carbon Footprint Calculator use?
CO₂ = distance × factor × class multiplier × trips.