WolframAlpha

Drake Equation Calculator

Use the Drake equation to estimate the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy.

Calculate:
rate of star formation in the Milky Way:
fraction of stars with planets:
average number of Earth‐like planets per star with planets:
fraction of Earth‐like planets that develop life:
fraction of life‐bearing planets that develop intelligent life:
fraction of civilizations that communicate:
average lifetime of communicating civilizations: