Flight Emissions Calculator
Estimate the CO₂ from a flight by distance and number of passengers.
About the Flight Emissions Calculator
This uses the US EPA's 2025 Emission Factors Hub figures for business air travel per passenger-mile: 0.207 kg CO₂ for flights under 300 miles, 0.129 kg for 300–2,300 miles and 0.163 kg for longer flights (short flights burn proportionally more fuel taking off and climbing). Contrails and nitrogen oxides add extra warming; the UK government's guidance multiplies CO₂ by about 1.7 to include them.
The formula
CO₂ = miles × factor × passengers (× 2 for return)
Worked example
Example: Emissions = 1,271 kg CO₂
- Inputs: Flight distance (one way): 3,900; Distance in: miles; Return trip: Yes; Passengers: 1; Include non-CO₂ warming effects: No (CO₂ only).
- Formula: CO₂ = miles × factor × passengers (× 2 for return)
- Result: Emissions = 1,271 kg CO₂
Things to keep in mind
- Average-passenger factors; premium cabins take more space and have higher per-person emissions.
Questions people ask
Is flying worse than driving?
Per passenger-mile it's often similar to a solo car trip, but flights cover much longer distances.
Does a direct flight help?
Yes, take-offs and landings are the most fuel-intensive phases.