All Tools

🌍 Carbon Footprint Calculator

Calculate your annual carbon emissions from transportation, energy use, air travel, and diet

Transportation

Home Energy

Check your utility bill (avg household: 900 kWh)

Check your utility bill (avg household: 40 therms)

Air Travel

Diet & Lifestyle

Understanding Carbon Footprints

What is a Carbon Footprint?

Your carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (primarily CO₂) that your activities generate. The average American produces about 16 tons of CO₂ per year, compared to the global average of 4 tons.

Why It Matters

Climate scientists recommend reducing global per capita emissions to 2-3 tons by 2050 to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Understanding your footprint is the first step toward meaningful reduction.

Emission Factors Used

This calculator uses EPA and IPCC standard emission factors: gasoline (19.6 lbs CO₂/gallon), electricity (0.92 lbs CO₂/kWh US average), natural gas (11.7 lbs CO₂/therm), short flights (0.24 tons CO₂ each), long flights (0.86 tons CO₂ each).

Quick Wins for Reduction

The biggest impacts come from: switching to an electric vehicle, improving home insulation, switching to renewable energy, reducing air travel, and shifting toward a plant-based diet. Even small changes in each category can significantly reduce your footprint.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your annual miles driven and select your vehicle type
  2. Add your monthly electricity and natural gas usage from utility bills
  3. Include any air travel (number of flights per year)
  4. Select your diet type and food sourcing habits
  5. Click "Calculate" to see your total carbon footprint
  6. Review the breakdown to identify your largest emission sources
  7. Use the personalized tips to reduce your environmental impact