Tree Carbon Calculator

Estimate how much carbon dioxide (CO₂) a tree absorbs based on its species, age, and size.

Tree Species:
Tree Age (years):
Trunk Diameter (inches):
Tree Height (feet):
Tree Health:

Tree Carbon Absorption Results

Based on your input, your Oak tree:

Annual CO₂ Absorption: 226 lbs CO₂ per year
Lifetime CO₂ Absorption: 3,390 lbs CO₂ total
Equivalent to miles driven: 254 miles
Equivalent to homes powered for 1 day: 10 home-days

Tree Carbon Calculator Formula

The formula used for calculating the carbon absorption of a tree is:

  • Annual CO₂ Absorption Formula:
    • Annual Absorption (lbs CO₂) = Base Carbon Factor × Trunk Diameter × Health Adjustment × Volume Factor
  • Components:
    • Base Carbon Factor: Species-specific value (lbs CO₂ per year per inch of diameter)
      • Oak: 22.6
      • Maple: 19.2
      • Pine: 16.8
      • Birch: 15.4
      • Redwood: 26.3
      • Dogwood: 10.9
      • Spruce: 18.7
      • Elm: 20.3
    • Volume Factor: Simplified calculation based on tree dimensions
      • Volume Factor = π × (diameter/2)² × height ÷ 100
      • Capped at 1.5 to prevent overestimation for very large trees
    • Health Adjustment Factor:
      • Excellent: 1.2 (20% bonus absorption)
      • Good: 1.0 (baseline)
      • Fair: 0.8 (20% reduced absorption)
      • Poor: 0.6 (40% reduced absorption)
  • Lifetime CO₂ Absorption Formula:
    • Lifetime Absorption = Annual Absorption × Age × (1 – e^(-Age × Growth Rate))
    • This uses a sigmoid growth curve to account for varying growth rates over the tree’s lifetime
  • Equivalency Calculations:
    • Driving Equivalent (miles) = Annual Absorption ÷ 0.89 lbs CO₂/mile
    • Home Energy Equivalent (days) = Annual Absorption ÷ 22.3 lbs CO₂/day

This calculator provides estimates based on scientific research on tree carbon sequestration. The actual carbon absorption can vary based on soil conditions, climate, and other environmental factors.