Field estimate / forestry

Forest Biomass and Carbon Estimator

Estimate above-ground biomass, carbon, and CO2e from DBH, tree height, wood density, and species group in a browser-only workflow.

Start from built-in reference equations, save your own coefficient sets, and fall back to DBH-only estimates when field data are incomplete.

Built-in equations plus one custom preset you can save
Switch to DBH + density or DBH-only fallback when height is missing
Optional BGB with root/shoot ratio defaults
Share by URL and export JSON or CSV
Reference values only. Not for formal carbon reporting.

How to use

  1. Choose the estimate mode, species group, and a preset, then confirm whether the built-in values match your local workflow.
  2. Enter DBH first, then add tree height and wood density when the selected mode needs them.
  3. Turn on root biomass if you want BGB, and switch the carbon fraction between preset, species-specific, or custom values as needed.
  4. Review the result, then copy it, share the URL, or export JSON and CSV for later reuse.

Examples

Height-based single tree
Input
DBH 35 cm / height 18 m / wood density 0.62 g/cm3 / height-based preset
Output
AGB ≈ 732.08 kg, carbon ≈ 344.08 kg C, CO2e ≈ 1,261.61 kg
DBH + density fallback
Input
DBH 35 cm / wood density 0.62 g/cm3 / DBH + density preset
Output
AGB ≈ 228.71 kg, carbon ≈ 107.49 kg C, CO2e ≈ 394.14 kg
Plot sample
Input
Three trees: 24 cm / 14 m / 0.58, 26 cm / 15 m / 0.59, 28 cm / 16 m / 0.60, plot area 0.05 ha
Output
Total AGB ≈ 992.62 kg, carbon ≈ 466.53 kg C, CO2e ≈ 1,710.62 kg, or 19.85 t/ha

Formulas

All inputs are normalized to cm, m, g/cm3, kg, and t before the selected equation runs.

  • AGB = a × (rho × D^2 × H)^b
  • AGB = a × rho^c × D^b
  • AGB = a × D^b
  • BGB = AGB × root/shoot ratio
  • Carbon = total biomass × carbon fraction
  • CO2e = carbon × 44 / 12

Glossary

DBH

Diameter at breast height, measured at breast height or your local standard.

AGB

Above-ground biomass. This page reports it as the main biomass result.

BGB

Below-ground biomass. It is optional and uses a root/shoot ratio when enabled.

Wood density

Basic wood density or specific gravity used to tune the model.

Carbon fraction

The share of biomass assumed to be carbon. The default in this tool is 0.47.

Root/shoot ratio

A multiplier used to estimate BGB from AGB when root biomass is turned on.

CO2e

Carbon dioxide equivalent. Carbon is multiplied by 44/12 to convert to CO2e.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this for formal carbon reporting?

No. This page is designed for field estimates and quick planning, not for certified reporting or audit work.

What if tree height is missing?

Switch to the DBH + density or DBH-only preset. The page keeps the calculation moving when height is not available.

Can I type decimal commas?

Yes. The page accepts both decimal commas and decimal points, along with simple unit suffixes.

Can I save my own coefficients?

Yes. Save a custom preset in this browser, then export it as JSON if you want a portable copy.

Does the page send my data to a server?

No. Inputs, presets, and results stay in the browser unless you explicitly copy or share them.

Important notes

  • Built-in equations are reference values only. Replace them with approved local coefficients when you have them.
  • Wood density, carbon fraction, and root/shoot ratio can vary by species, site, and data source.
  • Root biomass is optional. Leave it off if you only need AGB.
  • Per-hectare values depend on the plot area you enter. The page does not infer stand area for you.
  • Avoid putting private stand names into share URLs if they should not be public.