Density Altitude Calculator
Performance altitude from pressure & temperature
High density altitude reduces engine power, propeller efficiency, and lift. A density altitude above 8,000 ft significantly degrades aircraft performance.
About Density Altitude
Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature. As density altitude increases, air density decreases - engines produce less power, propellers generate less thrust, and wings generate less lift. Aircraft performance tables in your POH are based on density altitude, not field elevation.
The critical scenario is a high-elevation airport on a hot day. A 5,000 ft airport at 35C can have a density altitude above 9,000 ft. Always calculate density altitude before takeoff when operating near the aircraft's performance limits or at airports with obstacles.
What is a high density altitude?
Density altitude above 8,000 ft is generally considered high. At a 5,000 ft elevation airport on a 35C day, density altitude can exceed 9,000 ft - meaning your aircraft performs as if it were at 9,000 ft even though you are at 5,000 ft. Takeoff roll increases and climb rate decreases significantly.
How does temperature affect density altitude?
Every 10C rise in temperature increases density altitude by roughly 600-700 ft above the pressure altitude. Hot summer days at high-elevation airports can produce density altitudes that exceed the aircraft's service ceiling or eliminate the safety margin for obstacle clearance.