European air quality index calculator
Interpret European AQI and view general outdoor activity guidance for a selected population group and intensity.
Interpret European AQI for outdoor activity
Supported standard: Open-Meteo European AQI, european-aqi-openmeteo-v1 (0–100+)
What does the European AQI calculator interpret?
The calculator classifies an Open-Meteo European AQI value and connects the category to the EEA general health message. Calculic does not fetch air quality data; you enter a value or open a link that follows the supported prefill contract.
The six numerical European AQI categories
The numerical 0–100+ mapping comes from Open-Meteo's european_aqi field. It is not the same thing as the EEA's current concentration-based calculation method.
- 0–20: good
- above 20–40: fair
- above 40–60: moderate
- above 60–80: poor
- above 80–100: very poor
- above 100: extremely poor
How do population group and activity intensity affect the interpretation?
The EEA provides separate messages for the general population and sensitive populations. Light, moderate and vigorous activity place that message in the context of the planned outdoor activity. Intensity is not inferred from age, heart rate, fitness, duration or speed.
Who is in the sensitive population here?
In the EEA health messages, sensitive populations include adults and children with respiratory problems and adults with heart conditions. You choose which general message to view; the calculator does not request or make a diagnosis.
What do the city and observation time mean?
A supported link may include a city and a timezone-aware observation time as display context. A city name does not prove the data source or street-level conditions. Observations older than three hours are marked as old, and missing or invalid times are not described as current.
Limitations
Open-Meteo's consolidated AQI is the maximum of the individual pollutant indices, but the number alone does not identify the determining pollutant. A short-term index does not describe long-term exposure. The calculator does not know your health, local surroundings or indoor air quality and does not replace local authority guidance.
Health limitation
Physical activity has broad health benefits, while higher intensity increases the amount of air inhaled and potential exposure. WHO supports adapting the time, place and type of activity to reduce exposure. The result is general source-based information, not a diagnosis, medication advice, personal exercise prescription or assurance that an activity is suitable. Follow local authority and healthcare guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What does European AQI mean?
It is Open-Meteo's European 0–100+ air quality index, where a higher value falls into a worse category.
Is European AQI the same as US AQI?
No. Their scales and boundaries differ, so a US AQI value must not be interpreted here as European AQI.
Who is in the sensitive population?
This calculator follows the EEA grouping: adults and children with respiratory problems and adults with heart conditions.
Does poor air quality automatically ban outdoor activity?
No. The message depends on category and group and offers general options for changing intensity, time or place.
Why does the observation time matter?
Air quality can change quickly. An old, missing or invalid time makes it harder to assess how recent the information is.
Where can I check the latest local air quality?
Check the latest local air quality at City Air Quality. Its value is a general city-level estimate, not a personal, street-level or indoor air measurement.