Calculadora de Livro vs E-book
- Created by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
- Reviewed by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
Last updated: Apr 18, 2026
Formula
Break-even = 168 livros (fabricação e-reader 168 kg CO₂e ÷ 1 kg CO₂e/livro)
About this calculator
This calculator helps you decide whether to buy an e-reader by comparing the environmental impact of physical books versus digital ones. It calculates how many physical books you need to read for the e-reader's carbon footprint to be offset. The tool considers that manufacturing an e-reader generates about 168 kg of CO₂ equivalent, while a physical book produces approximately 1 kg of CO₂e. The break-even point is 168 books.
The calculation is simple: divide the e-reader's emission by a book's emission. If you read more than 168 books over the device's lifespan, the e-reader becomes the more ecological choice. The calculator can also estimate financial savings, though the focus here is environmental. Use it when considering purchasing an e-reader and wanting to understand the ecological impact of your choice.
Cautions: the carbon footprint varies by e-reader model, manufacturing energy source, and disposal. Additionally, physical books can be recycled or donated, reducing their impact. The calculator uses average values; for a more precise analysis, consult specific manufacturer data. Remember that the environmental benefit of an e-reader only appears with prolonged use and heavy reading.
Frequently asked questions
How many books do I need to read to offset buying an e-reader?
About 168 books, considering average CO₂ emissions from manufacturing an e-reader (168 kg) and a physical book (1 kg).
Does the calculation consider the energy used to charge the e-reader?
No, it focuses only on manufacturing. Energy use during reading is small compared to production, but may matter if electricity comes from polluting sources.
What if I buy a used e-reader?
The environmental impact is lower since manufacturing already occurred. In that case, the break-even may be reached with fewer books, depending on the device's condition.
Can I use this calculator for financial comparison?
It's focused on environmental impact, but you can adapt it by entering the e-reader cost and average book price for a financial analysis.
Do digital books have any environmental impact?
Yes, downloading and storing on servers consumes energy, but this impact is much smaller than that of a physical book, especially if you read many books.