How this calculator works
Enter stellar luminosity (sun = 1), stellar mass (sun = 1), inner-edge flux (earth = 1), outer-edge flux (earth = 1). CalcStack applies the displayed formula and reports each intermediate planning value with the units shown.
Formula / method
Habitable-zone distance (AU) = √(stellar luminosity ÷ effective flux); orbital period (years) = √(distance³ ÷ stellar mass)
Worked example
For a Sun-like star using 1.1 and 0.53 Earth-flux boundaries, the simplified zone spans about 0.953 to 1.374 AU.
Assumptions and limitations
The planet is Earth-like, receives a stable stellar spectrum, and the selected flux limits are appropriate for its atmospheric model.
Habitability cannot be determined from orbit alone. Atmosphere, albedo, greenhouse effect, stellar activity, tidal locking, eccentricity, composition and time evolution are outside this simplified model.