Tree Carbon Calculator
Estimate how much CO₂ newly planted trees absorb over the years.
About the Tree Carbon Calculator
The US EPA estimates a medium-growth urban tree planted from a nursery seedling absorbs an average of 36.4 lb of carbon (about 60 kg of CO₂) a year over its first 10 years, after allowing for trees that die. Growth, species, climate and care change this a lot; trees absorb little when young and most in mid-life.
The formula
CO₂ = trees × 36.4 lb C × 44/12 × years
Worked example
Example: CO₂ absorbed = 7.33 tonnes
- Inputs: Trees planted: 11; Years: 11 years.
- Formula: CO₂ = trees × 36.4 lb C × 44/12 × years
- Result: CO₂ absorbed = 7.33 tonnes
Questions people ask
Do forests absorb more per tree?
It varies; dense forests store far more carbon per hectare overall.
Is planting trees enough to offset emissions?
It helps, but takes decades; cutting emissions is faster.