Calculator inputs
Use direct segment distance, then set segments and annual trips to reflect one-way, return, or multi-city travel.
Example data table
Illustrative scenarios help benchmark common travel profiles before entering your own assumptions.
| Scenario | Distance per segment | Segments | Class | Passengers | Estimated CO2e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic round trip | 850 km | 2 | Economy | 1 | 0.37 tCO2e |
| Regional business trip | 1,600 km | 2 | Business | 1 | 1.26 tCO2e |
| Long-haul family travel | 5,800 km | 2 | Economy | 3 | 3.97 tCO2e |
| Multi-city executive route | 2,200 km | 4 | Business | 2 | 6.88 tCO2e |
Formula used
1. Haul-adjusted distance
Haul-adjusted distance = segment distance × segments × annual trips × route uplift
2. Effective emission factor
Effective factor = aircraft factor × cabin factor × (reference load ÷ actual load)
3. Gross flight CO2
Gross CO2 = haul-adjusted distance × passengers × effective factor
4. Net CO2 after SAF
Net CO2 = gross CO2 × [1 − (SAF blend × lifecycle reduction ÷ 10,000)]
5. Climate-adjusted CO2e
CO2e = net CO2 × radiative forcing multiplier
6. Offset cost
Offset cost = (CO2e ÷ 1,000) × offset price per tonne
Assumptions inside this calculator
Short-haul routes use a 1.09 uplift, medium-haul 1.07, and long-haul 1.05. Aircraft factors are simplified average profiles in kg CO2 per passenger-kilometre and are intended for planning, screening, and ESG discussion rather than regulatory disclosure.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the direct distance for one flight segment and choose kilometres or miles.
- Select the route type, then set total flight segments for your full itinerary.
- Add annual trip frequency and the number of passengers covered by your estimate.
- Choose cabin class and aircraft profile to reflect seat space and fleet efficiency.
- Adjust load factor, radiative forcing, and SAF assumptions to match your reporting method.
- Click the calculate button to view CO2, CO2e, intensity, and optional offset budget above the form. Then export your result as CSV or PDF.
Frequently asked questions
1. Does this calculator show CO2 or CO2e?
It shows both. Net CO2 reflects direct carbon after SAF assumptions. CO2e applies the radiative forcing multiplier to include additional warming effects from high-altitude flight activity.
2. Why does cabin class change emissions?
Larger seats use more cabin space per traveller. That means fewer passengers share the same flight fuel burn, so premium cabins usually carry a higher per-passenger emissions estimate.
3. What is route uplift?
Route uplift adds extra distance for climb, descent, routing inefficiencies, and operational patterns. It prevents estimates from being unrealistically low when using only direct map distance.
4. Should I always use the radiative forcing multiplier?
Use it when your climate method includes non-CO2 aviation effects. Set the multiplier to 1.00 when you only need direct CO2 for a simpler internal estimate.
5. How does SAF affect the result?
The calculator reduces gross CO2 according to the SAF blend percentage and its assumed lifecycle reduction. This is a planning estimate, not proof of verified SAF book-and-claim accounting.
6. Can I use this for company travel budgets?
Yes. The annual trips input and offset price field help translate estimated aviation emissions into yearly travel carbon budgets and rough offset planning values.
7. Is this suitable for formal reporting?
It is best for screening, scenario testing, and internal ESG planning. Formal inventories may require a prescribed methodology, route data source, and documented emission factors.
8. Why do load factor changes matter?
Lower load factors spread similar flight fuel burn across fewer passengers, increasing each traveller’s estimated footprint. Higher load factors usually reduce the per-passenger value.