Tree Carbon Sequestration Calculator
Estimate carbon sequestered by trees from 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