How to Calculate Cloud Base
What is Cloud Base?
A cloud base altitude calculator estimates the height of cumulus cloud bases above ground level using the relationship: cloud base (ft) ≈ (surface temperature − dew point) × 227. A surface temperature of 30°C and dew point of 15°C predicts cloud bases at ~3,400 feet — used by pilots for flight planning.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Measure ground temperature and dew point
- 2Apply lifting condensation level
- 3Calculate cloud altitude
Worked Examples
Input
30C surface, 20C dew point
Result
~1000 meters cloud base
Cumulus formation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Not double-checking results
- ✕Ignoring edge cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this calculator do?
Input values
How do I use this calculator?
System calculates
Ready to calculate? Try the free Cloud Base Calculator
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