Global Warming Potential Calculator

Global Warming Potential is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period, relative to carbon dioxide (CO₂). CO₂ is assigned a GWP of 1, and all other gases are measured against it. A GWP of 100 means the gas traps 100 times more heat per kilogram than CO₂ over the chosen timeframe.

The timeframe determines how the warming impact is averaged. The 20-year GWP (GWP20) reflects the near-term potency of a gas and gives higher values to short-lived but powerful gases like methane. The 100-year GWP (GWP100) is the standard used in international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement and national greenhouse gas inventories, making it the most widely reported metric.

This calculator uses IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) values. For the 100-year timeframe: CO₂ = 1, CH₄ = 27.9, N₂O = 273, SF₆ = 24,300. For the 20-year timeframe: CO₂ = 1, CH₄ = 81.2, N₂O = 273, SF₆ = 18,300. These are the most current scientific consensus values.

Converting different greenhouse gases into a single CO₂ equivalent metric makes it possible to compare, report, and reduce emissions consistently. Businesses use CO₂e for carbon footprint reporting and regulatory compliance. Policymakers use it to set targets and measure progress under climate frameworks like the Paris Agreement.

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is one of the most potent greenhouse gases known, with a 100-year GWP of approximately 24,300. This means 1 kg of SF₆ has the same warming impact as over 24 tonnes of CO₂. Its extremely high GWP is due to its strong infrared absorption and very long atmospheric lifetime of around 3,200 years.

GWP simplifies complex atmospheric chemistry into a single number, which means it cannot capture every dimension of climate impact. It does not account for secondary effects, ecosystem feedbacks, or regional climate differences. Different GWP timeframes (20-year vs 100-year) can produce significantly different results, which is why it's important to be transparent about which standard you're using.

CO₂e is calculated by multiplying the mass of each greenhouse gas by its corresponding GWP factor and summing the results. For example, if you have 10 kg of methane and use the 100-year GWP of 27.9, the CO₂e is 10 × 27.9 = 279 kg CO₂e. This calculator performs that conversion automatically for CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, and SF₆.

This calculator provides CO₂e estimates suitable for understanding and planning purposes. For formal compliance with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 or similar legislation, you should verify the specific GWP values mandated by the relevant regulation and consult a qualified professional, as regulatory GWP tables may differ from IPCC AR6 values.