Carbon Footprint Calculator

Understanding your carbon footprint helps you track the impact of everyday activities—transport, home energy, food, and waste—on the climate. Use the calculator and the guide below to learn, estimate, and act.

What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint is an indicator of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to human activities. It aggregates the CO2-equivalent emitted directly and indirectly across transport, energy use, food, goods, and services. At a national level, it typically includes: direct household emissions, emissions from domestic production, and emissions embodied in imports.

How do you calculate it?

Emissions = Quantity consumed × Emission factor

Track quantities like kilometers traveled, kWh of energy used, kg of food types consumed, and waste handled. Multiply each by the appropriate emission factor, then add them together to get your footprint in kg or tonnes of CO2e.

Transport and flights: big drivers

Transport often accounts for a large share of household emissions. Driving and flying can significantly increase annual totals. Emissions vary by distance, vehicle efficiency, occupancy, and fuel type. Short-haul flights can be especially intensive per kilometer due to take-off and landing phases.

Electric vehicles and manufacturing

EVs generally emit less over their lifetime than comparable gasoline cars, especially with low‑carbon electricity. However, battery manufacturing is energy‑intensive. Over time, use-phase savings can offset production emissions, particularly when electricity is decarbonized.

Food matters, too

Dietary choices influence emissions. Reducing red meat, preferring seasonal and local produce, and cutting food waste all lower your footprint.

Plant‑forward diets reduce GHG per kilogram of food.
Local and seasonal foods can limit transport and heated‑greenhouse impacts.
Avoiding food waste saves the embedded emissions of production and transport.

Practical ways to reduce your footprint

Choose efficient transport: walk, cycle, transit, car‑share when possible.
Lower home energy use: insulate, adjust heating/cooling, and use smart thermostats.
Switch to efficient appliances and LEDs; consider renewable energy where available.
Favor local, seasonal, and minimally processed foods; moderate red meat.
Reduce, reuse, recycle; repair goods to extend their lifespan.
Measure regularly and set realistic reduction targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this calculator country-specific?

It uses a universal approach suitable for most countries. Some factors vary by region; the embedded tool provides a broadly accepted method to estimate emissions.

How accurate are the results?

Results are estimates. Accuracy improves when you enter precise consumption data (e.g., exact kWh, fuel use, or distances).

What counts the most in my footprint?

Transport and home energy typically dominate for households, followed by food. Flying and long-distance driving can significantly increase annual emissions.

How can I reduce my footprint?

Choose efficient transport, lower energy use, favor local and seasonal foods, reduce food waste, and recycle. Consider energy-efficient appliances and home insulation.