Altitude Sickness Risk Calculator
Assess your risk of altitude sickness based on current altitude, destination altitude, and ascent rate.
Get acclimatization tips for safe travel.
Altitude Sickness Risk
Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness / AMS) occurs when ascending too quickly to high elevations where oxygen is thinner.
Altitude categories:
| Altitude | Category | Oxygen Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 ft | Low | 100–84% |
| 5,000–8,000 ft | Moderate | 84–74% |
| 8,000–14,000 ft | High | 74–59% |
| 14,000–18,000 ft | Very High | 59–50% |
| Above 18,000 ft | Extreme | Below 50% |
Risk factors:
- Ascent rate: Over 1,000 ft (300m) per day above 8,000 ft increases risk
- Starting altitude: Coming from sea level is riskier
- History: Previous AMS increases likelihood
- Age: Younger adults (under 50) are slightly more susceptible
- Fitness: Does NOT protect against AMS (fit people may push too fast)
Acclimatization guidelines:
- Above 10,000 ft: Ascend no more than 1,000 ft per day
- Take a rest day every 3,000 ft of elevation gain
- “Climb high, sleep low” — sleep at a lower elevation than your highest point
- Stay well hydrated (3–4 liters per day)
- Avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours at altitude
Common high-altitude destinations:
- Denver, CO: 5,280 ft
- Cusco, Peru: 11,152 ft
- La Paz, Bolivia: 11,942 ft
- Everest Base Camp: 17,598 ft