Density Altitude Calculator
Fill in the values and the answer updates as you type.
How the Density Altitude Calculator works
Station pressure is found from QNH and field elevation, then pressure altitude = 145,366 × (1 − (P ÷ 1013.25)^0.190284). ISA temperature = 15 − 1.98 °C per 1,000 ft, and density altitude = pressure altitude + 118.8 ft for every °C above ISA. High density altitude means thinner air, a longer takeoff roll, and a weaker climb. Always use the performance charts in your aircraft flight manual for real planning. Example: with Field elevation 500 ft, Altimeter setting (QNH) 1013, Altimeter unit hPa, and Outside air temperature 32 °C, the result is Density altitude (ft) = 2,645; Pressure altitude (ft) = 507; ISA temperature at that altitude (°C) = 14.
Inputs and results
The Density Altitude Calculator takes 4 inputs and gives 4 results.
What you enter
- Field elevation (ft) — starts at 500.
- Altimeter setting (QNH) — starts at 1013.
- Altimeter unit — starts at hPa. Choose from: hPa and inHg.
- Outside air temperature (°C) — starts at 32.
What you get
- Density altitude (ft)
- Pressure altitude (ft)
- ISA temperature at that altitude (°C)
- Temperature above ISA (°C)
Example: Density Altitude Calculator with the starting values
With field elevation 500 ft, altimeter setting (qnh) 1013, altimeter unit hPa and outside air temperature 32 °C, the calculator returns:
| Density altitude (ft) | 2,645 |
|---|---|
| Pressure altitude (ft) | 507 |
| ISA temperature at that altitude (°C) | 14 |
| Temperature above ISA (°C) | 18 |
Change any value above and the results update straight away.
Density Altitude Calculator FAQ
How do I use the Density Altitude Calculator?
Enter field elevation, altimeter setting (qnh), altimeter unit and outside air temperature in the fields, then read density altitude (ft), pressure altitude (ft), isa temperature at that altitude (°c) and temperature above isa (°c) in the result panel. The answer updates as you type, and you can press Calculate or Enter to refresh it. Use “Copy link” to share your exact numbers with someone else.
What does the Density Altitude Calculator calculate?
Pressure altitude and density altitude from elevation, QNH, and temperature. It returns density altitude (ft), pressure altitude (ft), isa temperature at that altitude (°c) and temperature above isa (°c) from the 4 values you provide.
What values does the Density Altitude Calculator start with?
It opens with field elevation 500 ft, altimeter setting (qnh) 1013, altimeter unit hPa and outside air temperature 32 °C so you can see a working result straight away. Replace them with your own numbers, or press Reset to return to these starting values.
Is the Density Altitude Calculator free and private?
Yes. It is free, needs no account, and runs in your browser, so nothing you type is sent to or stored on our servers. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Can I rely on the Density Altitude Calculator for important decisions?
Treat the result as a well-rounded estimate. Real situations often have details a general calculator cannot know, so confirm important decisions with a qualified professional. See the Disclaimer for more.