Tree Carbon Sequestration Calculator
Estimate the carbon sequestered by trees based on species, size, and age.
Calculate CO₂ offset, carbon credits, and the environmental value of trees and forests.
How Trees Sequester Carbon Trees absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. The carbon is stored in wood, bark, leaves, roots, and soil organic matter. About 50% of dry wood biomass is carbon. CO₂ sequestered = Carbon stored × 44/12 (molecular weight ratio CO₂/C = 3.67)
USDA Forest Service Method (Urban Trees) Carbon stored (kg) = 0.25 × dry weight of above-ground biomass (kg) Biomass = species-specific allometric equations using diameter at breast height (DBH) Simplified: Carbon (kg) ≈ 0.25 × (0.15 × DBH²·²) for broadleaf trees (DBH in cm) Annual sequestration ≈ 22 kg CO₂/year for a medium mature tree (USDA estimate) Urban tree: 10–150 kg CO₂/year | Forest tree: 5–100 kg CO₂/year
Carbon Credit Value 1 carbon credit = 1 tonne CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e). Voluntary carbon markets: $10–50 USD per tonne CO₂ (as of 2024). EU Emissions Trading System: ~$60–80 per tonne. Social cost of carbon (US EPA): ~$51–190 per tonne (contested).
Annual Sequestration Rates by Species Fast-growing trees (Poplar, Eucalyptus, Willow): 20–50 kg C/year Medium-growth (Oak, Maple, Birch): 10–25 kg C/year Slow-growth (Cedar, Spruce, Douglas fir): 5–15 kg C/year Tropical trees (Teak, Mahogany): 15–40 kg C/year Bamboo (technically grass): 5–35 kg C/year
Above-Ground vs Total Biomass Above-ground: trunk, branches, leaves — easiest to measure Below-ground (roots): typically 20–30% of above-ground biomass Soil organic matter: significant long-term carbon pool Total carbon ≈ 1.2–1.5 × above-ground carbon