Calculators / Atmosphere & Weather / Estimated Cloud Base

Verify before flight. PilotDesk checks basic input plausibility, but it cannot verify aircraft configuration, limitations, weather accuracy, NOTAMs, runway conditions, or approved performance data.

Atmosphere & Weather

Estimated Cloud Base

Estimate convective cloud base from surface temperature/dew-point spread.

Temperature

°C

Dew point

°C

Estimated base—

Temperature spread—

Approx. base MSL if field elevation supplied below—

This calculator is a planning/training aid. Do not use it as a substitute for the aircraft POH/AFM, approved performance data, current charts, regulations, weather products, or instructor/operator procedures.

How to use it

Enter the known values above. PilotDesk recalculates as you type. Results are rounded for quick planning and study use.

For aircraft-specific limitations or performance, always use the current approved source for that exact aircraft and operation.

Method & assumptions

Surface-based convective cloud-base estimate; not a ceiling forecast.

Estimated base AGL ≈ (temperature − dew point) ÷ 2.44°C × 1,000 ft.

FAA Aviation Weather Handbook