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Density altitude calculator
High, hot, and humid air is thin air — the airplane performs as if it were higher than the altimeter says. Enter your conditions to see the density altitude, then learn the method because the written test makes you do it by hand.
- Pressure altitude:
- 5,000 ft
- ISA temperature there:
- 5 °C
- Density altitude ≈
- 8,600 ft
The airplane performs as if it were at 8,600 ft on a standard day — expect longer takeoff rolls and weaker climb.
How it works (the test method)
- Pressure altitude = field elevation + (29.92 − altimeter setting) × 1,000 ft.
- ISA temperature at that altitude = 15 °C − 2 °C per 1,000 ft.
- Density altitude ≈ pressure altitude + 120 ft for every °C above ISA (subtract when colder).
Learn why in the free lesson Density Altitude and Aircraft Performance, then practice the calculation questions.
Educational tool for ground-school study only — not for flight planning or operational use. Use your aircraft POH/AFM performance charts and current official weather.