Earth Science & Energy
Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) Severe Storm Sizer
Calculate convective available potential energy (cape) severe storm using the stated engineering or scientific relationship and adjustable field inputs.
Preparing your result…
What this calculator does
Calculates Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) Severe Storm Sizer using the formula verified against the cited source.
What your result means
An estimate from the inputs you enter, within the scope stated below — not advice.
Formula
Illustrative uniform-layer buoyancy energy ≈ g × Δz × (Tv,parcel − Tv,env) ÷ Tv,env (kelvin, metres → J/kg)
The step-by-step working for your own numbers appears with the result above and in the PDF report.
Frequently asked questions
Symbols and assumptions
- Inputs
- The values entered in the fields above
- • Uniform-layer approximation: CAPE≈gΔz(Tvp−Tve)/Tve in J/kg, virtual temperatures K and depth m, only when positive buoyancy is approximated as constant. Full CAPE integrates positive parcel buoyancy between LFC and EL.
Sources and review
Reviewed 2026-10-18 · Next review 2027-04-18
- • A ratio of separately averaged temperatures need not equal layer-mean buoyancy. Current mean values/depth cannot reproduce a sounding-based CAPE or severe-storm forecast. Rename to illustrative layer buoyancy energy or add a vertical thermodynamic profile, parcel definition and integration rules.
Important limitation
This is an educational estimate based only on the values and formula shown. Verify current rates, rules, units, and professional standards before relying on the result. It is not personalized financial or investment advice.
Quick reference
| Scenario | Layer-mean parcel virtual temperature (K) | Layer-mean environment virtual temperature (K) | Depth of the positive-buoyancy layer (LFC to EL) (m) | Illustrative layer CAPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worked example | 270 | 267 | 8,000 | 881.4966 J/kg |
| Half the amounts | 180 | 180 | 4,000 | 0 J/kg |
| Double the amounts | 330 | 330 | 16,000 | 0 J/kg |
Need the full picture? Get the detailed PDF report with charts, tables, formulas and working steps.
Reviewed 2026-10-18 · Next review 2027-04-18
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