Altitude Acclimatization Calculator
A safe ascent plan and altitude sickness risk.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Your ascent rate
- 500 m per night
- Risk
- Low — within the 500 m guideline
- Recommended days
- 6 days including 2 rest days
- Total ascent
- 2,000 m
- Effective oxygen at target
- 55% of sea level
- Rest days needed
- 2
Quick answer
Above 3,000 m, sleep no more than 500 m higher each night and take a rest day every 1,000 m of ascent to reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness.
Safe days = (target − 3000) ÷ 500 + rest days
How to use the Altitude Acclimatization Calculator
- 1Enter the altitude you are sleeping at now.
- 2Enter the highest altitude you will sleep at.
- 3Enter the days you have allowed, then compare with the recommendation.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Starting sleeping altitude2800 m
- Target sleeping altitude4800 m
- Days you plan to take4 days
Results
- Your ascent rate500 m per night
- RiskLow — within the 500 m guideline
- Recommended days6 days including 2 rest days
- Total ascent2,000 m
- Effective oxygen at target55% of sea level
- Rest days needed2
Frequently asked questions
What is 'climb high, sleep low'?
Ascending during the day and returning to a lower altitude to sleep speeds acclimatization without increasing overnight risk.
What are the warning signs?
Headache with nausea, dizziness or poor sleep is acute mountain sickness. Confusion, breathlessness at rest or a wet cough means descend immediately.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.