The Drake equation is a formula used to estimate the number of detectable extraterrestrial civilizations in our galaxy. It was formulated by astrophysicist Frank Drake in 1961.
N = R x fp x ne x fl x fi x fc x L
The calculator allows you to estimate the number of alien civilizations in our galaxy that we may contact.
Some suggested starting numbers are given, but you can alter them and input your own figures if necessary.
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.