cloud base

The Cloud Base calculator computes the cloud base in feet above ground level (AGL) based on the difference between the ground temperature and the dew point.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (ST)  This it the temperature at ground level.
• (DP) This is the dew point

Cloud Base (CB):  The calculator returns the distance above ground for the lowest level of clouds in feet.  However, this can be automatically converted to any length unit (e.g. meters) via the pull-down menu.

Related Calculators

• Cloud Base from Surface Temperature and Dew Point
• Surface Temperature from Cloud Base and Dew Point
• Dew Point Temperature

The Math / Science

The formula to calculate cloud base based on surface temperature and dew point is:

   CB = (ST - DP) • 1000 ft  / 4.5 C°

where:

• CB = Cloud Base - height of the lowest clouds about the ground
• ST = Surface Temperature
• DP = Dew Point Temperature

Note:This is for demonstration purposes and should not be used as actual flight data.