What Density Altitude Means
Density altitude is the altitude in the standard atmosphere at which the air density would equal the actual air density at your location. Hot, high, and humid conditions raise density altitude and reduce aircraft and engine performance.
The Formula
A common approximation is: Density Altitude = Pressure Altitude + 120 × (OAT − ISA Standard Temperature), where the ISA standard temperature at a given pressure altitude drops by about 1.98°C per 1,000 feet from a 15°C sea-level baseline.
This calculator is for general educational and planning purposes only and should not replace official aircraft performance charts.
Last reviewed August 2026