What can your plants really do with oxygen?

A transparent leaf-area model for daylight production, night respiration and a comparison with one mature tree.

No account. Your values stay in this browser.

01 · Orientation estimate

Average values are filled in. Change only the hours that differ from your day.

Adults at homeUseful light per dayh

·Small plantsEstimated leaf area: 0.15 m²

♧Medium plantsEstimated leaf area: 0.4 m²

♣Large plantsEstimated leaf area: 1 m²

Mature trees

Scientific assumptions (optional)MET, breathing rate and airflow are already estimated. Open only if you know your own measurements.

Net photosynthesis in lightμmol/m²/seditable averageNight respiration share%editable averageO₂ per tree per yearkgeditable average

Houseplants do not replace ventilation. In ordinary indoor light, net photosynthesis can be near zero or even negative, and a reasonable number of plants does not meaningfully clean a normal room.

02 · Why this is only a thought experiment

The model converts an editable photosynthesis rate and leaf area to oxygen mass, then subtracts a simple night-respiration share.

Indoor-light photosynthesis study ↗US Forest Service tree oxygen study ↗EPA indoor air guidance ↗

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