Carbon Footprint Calculator
Estimate your annual carbon footprint from driving, flights, home energy and diet — and see how it compares to the U.S. average.
Carbon offset and home-efficiency resources
Learn moreWhere your emissions come from
For most people, the biggest slices of a personal carbon footprint are driving, flying, home energy and diet. Seeing the breakdown shows where changes matter most — often air travel and driving punch above their weight, while diet shifts add up steadily over a year.
How it’s calculated & sources
Driving: gallons × 8.89 kg CO₂/gallon. Flights: hours × ~90 kg/hour. Home electricity: kWh × ~0.4 kg/kWh. Diet: a typical annual estimate by eating pattern. Totals are in metric tons.
Benchmark: the average American’s footprint is about 16 tons CO₂/year, versus a global average near 4 tons (EPA; Our World in Data).
Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized financial, tax, medical or legal advice. Verify with a professional.
Worked example
12,000 miles at 26 mpg (~4.1 t), 10 flight hours (~0.9 t), 900 kWh/month (~4.3 t) and an average diet (~2.5 t) totals about 11.8 tons — below the U.S. average.
Frequently asked questions
How can I cut my footprint most?
Usually: drive less or electrify, fly less, improve home efficiency, and shift toward more plant-based meals. The biggest single levers are air travel and driving for frequent travelers.
Are these numbers exact?
No — they’re solid estimates using standard emission factors. Treat the total as a ballpark to guide priorities, not a precise audit.