Carbon Cycle Diagram
Free printable carbon cycle diagram — a labeled illustration showing photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion and fossil fuels. Download PDF or PNG for Letter paper.
How carbon moves through the cycle
The carbon cycle is how carbon moves between the air, living things and the ground. Here is what happens at each labeled part of the diagram:
| Process | What it does |
|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere | The gas plants take in and that animals breathe out. |
| Photosynthesis | Plants take carbon dioxide from the air to make their food. |
| Respiration | Living things release carbon dioxide back into the air as they breathe. |
| Decomposition | Dead plants and animals break down, returning carbon to the soil. |
| Combustion | Burning fuels releases stored carbon back into the air. |
| Fossil fuels | Coal, oil and gas — carbon stored underground for millions of years. |
Companion worksheet
A free fill-in worksheet with an answer key, built from the labels above — students match each process to its description, then answer a couple of short questions. Great for a quick check after using the diagram.
How to print
Choose Download PDF for a ready-to-print file that fits US Letter paper (8.5 × 11") in landscape, or Download PNG for the high-resolution image.
Frequently asked questions
What is the carbon cycle?
The carbon cycle is the way carbon moves in a loop between the atmosphere, plants and animals, and the ground, through processes like photosynthesis, respiration and decomposition.
How does carbon get into the atmosphere?
Carbon returns to the air through respiration (breathing), decomposition of dead things, and combustion (burning fuels).
What paper size should I print this on?
The diagram is sized for standard US Letter paper (8.5 × 11") in landscape orientation. Use "Download PDF" for a print-ready file that fits the page automatically.