Enter the altitude and temperature into the calculator to determine the oxygen saturation at altitude.

Oxygen Saturation At Altitude Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the oxygen saturation at altitude.

SpO2 = 100 * (0.21 * (760 – 0.5 * Altitude) / (1 + 0.004 * (37 – Temp)))

Variables:

  • SpO2 is the oxygen saturation at altitude
  • Altitude is the altitude in meters
  • Temp is the temperature in Celsius

To calculate the oxygen saturation at altitude, multiply 0.21 by the difference between 760 and half of the altitude. Divide this result by the sum of 1 and 0.004 times the difference between 37 and the temperature. Multiply the final result by 100 to get the oxygen saturation at altitude.

What is a Oxygen Saturation At Altitude?

Oxygen Saturation at Altitude refers to the decrease in oxygen levels in the blood when a person is at high altitudes. The air at higher altitudes is thinner and contains less oxygen, which can make it harder for the body to get the oxygen it needs. This can lead to a condition called hypoxia, where there is not enough oxygen in the body to sustain bodily functions. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and lack of coordination.

How to Calculate Oxygen Saturation At Altitude?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Oxygen Saturation at Altitude.


  1. First, determine the altitude in meters (Altitude).
  2. Next, determine the temperature in Celsius (Temp).
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = SpO2 = 100 * (0.21 * (760 – 0.5 * Altitude) / (1 + 0.004 * (37 – Temp))).
  4. Finally, calculate the Oxygen Saturation at Altitude (SpO2).
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Altitude = 2000 meters

Temp = 25 degrees Celsius