Carbon Footprint Calculator
Estimate your annual CO2 emissions from home energy use, driving, and air travel. Compare to the US average and get personalized tips to reduce your carbon footprint.
Home Energy
US average: ~900 kWh/month
From your utility or solar
Check your gas bill (0 if all-electric)
Transportation
US average: ~1,000 miles/month
Air Travel (per year)
Round trips per year
Round trips per year
Carbon Footprint
Your carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gases you're responsible for, measured in tons of CO2 equivalent. The average American produces about 16 tons per year.
- • Transportation: ~29% of US emissions
- • Electricity: ~25% of US emissions
- • Heating/cooling: ~13% of US emissions
How to Use
- Enter your monthly electricity and gas usage from utility bills
- Add your monthly driving miles and vehicle type
- Include number of flights taken per year
- Click Calculate to see your annual carbon footprint
FAQ
What's not included in this calculator?
This calculator focuses on direct energy use. It doesn't include embedded carbon from food, consumer goods, or services. A full lifecycle analysis would include these, potentially doubling your footprint.
Do carbon offsets actually work?
Quality varies widely. Look for Gold Standard or Verra-certified offsets. Reducing emissions directly is always better than offsetting, but offsets can help address unavoidable emissions like necessary flights.
What has the biggest impact on my footprint?
For most people: flying less (one transatlantic flight = ~2 tons CO2), switching to an EV or driving less, and using renewable electricity. These three changes can cut your footprint by 50% or more.