Density Altitude
Calculator
Results
- Density altitude (m)
- 1,184.10501
- Density altitude (ft)
- 3,884.858958
- Air density (kg/m³)
- 1.091682
Weather results
| Density altitude (m) | 1,184.10501 |
| Density altitude (ft) | 3,884.858958 |
| Air density (kg/m³) | 1.091682 |
formula-map diagram
- Density altitude (m)
- 1,184.10501
- Density altitude (ft)
- 3,884.858958
- Air density (kg/m³)
- 1.091682
Weather relationship
Formula
ρ = p ÷ (Rd×T); DA = (T0÷L) × [1 − (ρ÷ρ0)^(1÷(g÷(Rd×L) − 1))], ISA T0 = 288.15 K, L = 0.0065 K/m= 1184.105010671
Note
This is a simplified model: it applies the published standard formula to the numbers you entered and ignores local terrain, radiation, precipitation type and instrument error. Wind chill is the 2001 NWS/Environment Canada regression, valid at or below 10 °C with wind at or above 4.8 km/h; the heat index is the Rothfusz regression, reliable above about 27 °C; dew point uses the Magnus approximation (a = 17.27, b = 237.7 °C) over liquid water; wet bulb uses Stull's approximation at standard sea-level pressure; pressure and density altitude assume the International Standard Atmosphere and dry air. Do not use these results for aviation, structural or safety decisions without an official forecast or a qualified professional.
More in Weather and climate
See all →Frequently asked questions
What does density altitude actually represent?+
Density altitude is the altitude in the standard atmosphere that would have the same air density as the actual conditions at your location right now. It's a way of expressing 'how thin does the air feel to the aircraft' as a single altitude figure, rather than listing separate temperature, pressure, and humidity values.
Why does high density altitude hurt aircraft performance?+
Less dense air means the wings generate less lift at a given airspeed, the propeller or engine produces less thrust, and the engine itself (for non-turbocharged piston engines) produces less power, all of which lengthen takeoff rolls, reduce climb rate, and raise stall speed in true airspeed terms.
How do temperature and altitude combine to produce high density altitude?+
Both high elevation and high temperature independently thin the air, and their effects add together: a hot day at a high-elevation airport can produce a density altitude thousands of feet above the field's actual elevation, which is why 'hot and high' airports are notorious for demanding takeoff performance.
Does humidity affect density altitude much?+
Yes, though less than temperature and pressure: humid air is actually slightly less dense than dry air at the same temperature and pressure, because water vapor molecules are lighter than the nitrogen and oxygen molecules they displace, so high humidity pushes density altitude modestly higher too.
Why is density altitude considered one of the most important numbers for pilots on a hot day?+
It directly summarizes the combined effect of pressure, temperature, and humidity on aircraft performance into one number pilots can compare against their aircraft's performance charts, which is far more useful for pre-flight planning than reasoning separately about each of the three underlying variables.