Cloud Base Calculator (Lifted Condensation Level)

Your details

Choose whether to enter dew point directly or derive it from relative humidity.
Air temperature measured at the surface (or your ground-level observation point).
degC
The temperature at which air becomes saturated and dew begins to form. Must be at or below the surface temperature.
degC
Height of your measurement location above mean sea level. Leave at 0 for sea-level observations. Used to calculate the AMSL cloud altitude.
m
Cloud base (AGL)Low cloud base
1,625m

Estimated cloud base height above ground level in metres

Cloud base (AGL)5,331ft
Cloud altitude (AMSL)1,625m
Cloud altitude (AMSL)5,331ft
Cloud base temperature9.1degC
Temperature-dew point spread13degC
1,625 m
Very low<150Low ceiling150-500Low cloud500-2000Mid-level2000+

Estimated cloud base: 1,625 m AGL (5,331 ft AMSL).

  • A cloud base of 1,625 m AGL is comfortably above standard VFR minimums - good conditions for visual flight at lower altitudes.
  • The estimated temperature at the cloud base is 9.1 degC, where water vapor condenses into droplets.
  • This estimate uses Espy's rule (125 m per degC spread), accurate to within about 1% under typical atmospheric conditions.

Next stepFor the most accurate ceiling data, cross-check with the latest METAR from a nearby weather station, which reports measured cloud layers directly.

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