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Drake Equation Calculator

Estimated number of communicating civilizations N.

Compute the Drake equation: N = R* · f_p · n_e · f_l · f_i · f_c · L. Each factor represents a successive filter from "stars formed in our galaxy per year" to "civilization lifetime in years".

Dr. Helena Ortiz By Dr. Helena Ortiz
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

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Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

N = R* · f_p · n_e · f_l · f_i · f_c · L

In depth

Compute the Drake equation: N = R* · f_p · n_e · f_l · f_i · f_c · L. Each factor represents a successive filter from "stars formed in our galaxy per year" to "civilization lifetime in years".