In the wake of a catastrophic event, the ability to estimate and manage essential resources is paramount for survival. This calculator aims to provide a basic framework for understanding the critical supplies your group might need, based on the number of survivors, the estimated duration of the crisis, and individual consumption rates. It helps in prioritizing what to scavenge, store, or trade for.
Core Resource Calculations
The calculator employs straightforward multiplication to project total needs for a defined period. Each input is crucial for building a comprehensive survival plan:
Total Water Needed: Calculated by multiplying the
Number of Survivors by the Estimated Duration (Days) and the Daily Water Needs (Liters/Person).
Formula: Total Water = Group Size * Survival Duration * Water Per Person
Total Food Needed: Calculated by multiplying the
Number of Survivors by the Estimated Duration (Days) and the Daily Food Needs (Calories/Person).
Formula: Total Food = Group Size * Survival Duration * Food Per Person
Total Medical Supplies Value: This is a simplified value representing the aggregated worth or need for medical kits. It's directly input as the total value required for the group's safety.
Formula: Total Medical Value = Medical Kit Value (Direct Input)
Total Ammunition: Calculated by multiplying the
Number of Survivors by the Estimated Duration (Days) and the Ammo Units per Person per Day. This represents ammunition for defense and hunting.
Formula: Total Ammo = Group Size * Survival Duration * Ammo Per Person
Total Fuel Units: Direct input representing the need for fuel for vehicles, generators, or heating. This is essential for mobility and power.
Formula: Total Fuel = Fuel Units Needed (Direct Input)
Estimated Tool Lifespan: This is a simplified model. Tools are critical. A higher Tool Durability Factor implies that a set of tools will last longer or require less frequent replacement/repair. This input influences preparedness for tasks like building, repairs, and crafting. The calculator uses this as a multiplier for a baseline 'tool-set' value, though a more complex system would track individual tool degradation. For simplicity, we present a relative score based on the input factor. A higher factor suggests better potential for sustained work with a standard set of tools.
Formula concept: Tool Durability Score = Tool Durability Factor * Average Item Lifespan Modifier (This calculator displays the chosen factor as an indicator).
Use Cases and Considerations
This calculator is a tool for planning and prioritization, not a definitive survival guide. Here's how it can be used and what to keep in mind:
Scavenging Prioritization: Knowing you need 150 liters of water per day for your group of 5 can help focus scavenging efforts on water sources or purification methods.
Storage Planning: Estimate the volume and weight of food, water, and ammunition needed to ensure you have adequate storage space.
Resource Management: Use the daily estimates to ration supplies effectively and track consumption.
Bartering: Understanding your needs and potential surplus can help in negotiating trades with other survivors.
Dynamic Adjustments: The post-apocalyptic world is unpredictable. Be prepared to adjust your estimates based on new information, changing threats, or unexpected discoveries.
Beyond the Numbers: Survival also depends on skills, morale, leadership, and luck. This calculator focuses solely on quantifiable resources.
Use this calculator as a starting point to think critically about survival logistics. The best preparation involves a combination of knowledge, resources, and adaptability.
function calculateSurvivalResources() {
var groupSize = parseFloat(document.getElementById("groupSize").value);
var survivalDuration = parseFloat(document.getElementById("survivalDuration").value);
var waterPerPerson = parseFloat(document.getElementById("waterPerPerson").value);
var foodPerPerson = parseFloat(document.getElementById("foodPerPerson").value);
var medicalSupplies = parseFloat(document.getElementById("medicalSupplies").value);
var ammoPerPerson = parseFloat(document.getElementById("ammoPerPerson").value);
var fuelUnits = parseFloat(document.getElementById("fuelUnits").value);
var toolDurabilityFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById("toolDurability").value);
var totalWater = 0;
var totalFood = 0;
var totalAmmo = 0;
var estimatedToolLifespanText = "";
// Basic validation to prevent NaN results
if (isNaN(groupSize) || groupSize <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for group size (at least 1).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(survivalDuration) || survivalDuration <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for survival duration (at least 1 day).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(waterPerPerson) || waterPerPerson < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for daily water needs (0 or more).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(foodPerPerson) || foodPerPerson < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for daily food needs (0 or more).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(medicalSupplies) || medicalSupplies < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for medical supplies value (0 or more).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(ammoPerPerson) || ammoPerPerson < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for ammo units per person per day (0 or more).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(fuelUnits) || fuelUnits < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for fuel units (0 or more).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(toolDurabilityFactor) || toolDurabilityFactor 10) {
alert("Please select a valid tool durability factor between 1 and 10.");
return;
}
totalWater = groupSize * survivalDuration * waterPerPerson;
totalFood = groupSize * survivalDuration * foodPerPerson;
totalAmmo = groupSize * survivalDuration * ammoPerPerson;
// Tool durability explanation based on factor
var durabilityDescription = "";
if (toolDurabilityFactor >= 8) {
durabilityDescription = "Excellent: Tools are robust and likely to last long with minimal maintenance.";
} else if (toolDurabilityFactor >= 5) {
durabilityDescription = "Good: Tools offer a reasonable lifespan, but maintenance will be important.";
} else {
durabilityDescription = "Poor: Tools may degrade quickly, requiring frequent repair or replacement.";
}
estimatedToolLifespanText = "Based on chosen durability (" + toolDurabilityFactor + "): " + durabilityDescription;
document.getElementById("totalWater").innerHTML = "Total Water Needed: " + totalWater.toLocaleString() + " Liters";
document.getElementById("totalFood").innerHTML = "Total Food Needed: " + totalFood.toLocaleString() + " Calories";
document.getElementById("totalMedicalValue").innerHTML = "Total Medical Supplies Value: " + medicalSupplies.toLocaleString();
document.getElementById("totalAmmo").innerHTML = "Total Ammunition: " + totalAmmo.toLocaleString() + " Units";
document.getElementById("totalFuel").innerHTML = "Total Fuel Units: " + fuelUnits.toLocaleString();
document.getElementById("estimatedToolLifespan").innerHTML = "Tool Durability Assessment: " + estimatedToolLifespanText;
document.getElementById("result").style.display = "block";
}