Carbon Footprint Calculator
Calculate Your Impact
Fill in the details on the left to estimate your annual carbon footprint and see how you compare to the global average.
Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
Understand your impact on the environment. Our Carbon Footprint Calculator estimates your annual CO2 emissions based on your daily activities, travel habits, and home energy consumption.
US EPA Factors
Uses US Environmental Protection Agency approximate factors:
- Gasoline: ~8.89 kg CO2e per gallon
- Electricity (US avg): ~0.386 kg CO2e per kWh
- Natural Gas: ~5.3 kg CO2e per therm
- Heating Oil: ~10.16 kg CO2e per gallon
- Public Transport: ~0.14 kg CO2e per mile
- Flights: ~90 kg CO2e per hour
UK DEFRA Factors
Uses UK Government (DEFRA/BEIS) indicative factors:
- Electricity (UK avg): ~0.233 kg CO2e per kWh
- Natural Gas: ~5.4 kg CO2e per therm
- Heating Oil: ~10.7 kg CO2e per gallon
- Public Transport: ~0.12 kg CO2e per mile
- Flights: ~100 kg CO2e per hour
What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. The average global carbon footprint is about 4 tons, while the average for people in the US is closer to 16 tons per year.
Methodology
- Calculations use indicative factors from US EPA and UK DEFRA/BEIS.
- Transport covers car mileage, public transport miles, and flight hours.
- Energy covers electricity, natural gas, and heating oil; electricity can be reduced by renewable share.
- Lifestyle includes diet profile, recycling credit, and waste to landfill.
- Flights can optionally include radiative forcing for non-CO₂ impacts.
FAQ
Why do EPA and DEFRA differ?
Emission factors reflect regional energy mixes and methodologies. Use the source that best matches your context.
What is radiative forcing?
An adjustment for non-CO₂ effects of aviation. Turning it on increases flight-related emissions accordingly.
Are my inputs private?
Calculations run in your browser and inputs are not uploaded. Your data stays on your device.
How accurate are results?
Results are estimates. Actual emissions vary by region, technology, behavior, and measurement standards.
How We Calculate It
- Transportation: We factor in your car mileage, public transit use, and air travel.
- Home Energy: Electricity and gas usage play a significant role in your footprint.
- Diet & Lifestyle: Your food choices (meat-based vs. plant-based) and shopping habits also contribute.
Tips to Reduce Your Footprint
- Switch to renewable energy sources if available.
- Reduce meat consumption, especially beef and lamb.
- Use public transportation, carpool, or bike when possible.
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste.
These values are indicative and rounded for usability. Actual emissions vary by vehicle, route, grid mix, and methodology. Choose your factor source in the calculator to reflect US EPA or UK DEFRA guidance.