Drake Equation Calculator
N = R x fp x ne x fl x fi x fc x L
This calculator allows you to predict the approximate number of alien civilizations in our own galaxy that we might be able to contact. Some default values are shown as a starting point but you can change these and enter your own numbers.
R
The number of stars that are born in the Milky Way each year.
fp%
The percentage of these stars that have solar systems of planets.
ne
The average number of "Earthlike" planets (potentially suitable for life) in the typical solar system.
fl%
The percentage of those planets on which life actually forms.
fi%
The percentage of life-bearing planets where intelligence evolves.
fc%
The percentage of intelligent species that produce interstellar radio communications.
L
The average lifetime of a communicating civilization in years.
N
The number of civilizations we might be able to communicate with.