Kardashev scale

16^th November 2008

According to Wikipedia, "The Kardashev scale is a method of measuring a civilization's level of technological advancement." For reference the formula is:

K = \frac{{log}_{10} ({Power}_{Watts}) - 6}{10}

There's no variable for population, so my yearly average of 5.2 thousand Watts in 2003 would give me a measly score of −.23. However, I think my score should be the same as my civilization, which is Type 0.71.

So, I've re-formed the formula to factor in population while giving me approximately the same answer:

K = \frac{{log}_{10} ({Power}_{Watts}) - {log}_{10} (Population) + 3.4}{10}

All very good. Now imagine that I'm part of Type I civilization, what would my yearly average be? The answer comes to a staggering 4 million Watts. Just for me. A question for a science fiction author might be "What does a civilization look like if everyone has access to a few MegaWatts?"