Drake Equation

N = R⋅fp⋅ne⋅fl⋅fi⋅fc⋅L (your parameter guesses).

R* (stars/yr)

f_p

n_e

f_l

f_i

f_c

L (years)

Tab to move between fields

log₁₀ N1.301

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the star formation rate R* (stars/yr) -- current Milky Way estimate is ~3 stars/yr.
Set fractions: f_p (planets per star), n_e (habitable planets per system), f_l (life emergence), f_i (intelligent life).
Enter the fraction developing communicating technology (fc) and civilization longevity in years (L).
Review the estimated number of communicating civilizations (N) in the galaxy and its log10 value.
Explore how varying L (from decades to millions of years) dominates the uncertainty in N.

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