Layers of the Atmosphere
Free printable layers of the atmosphere diagram — the five layers from the troposphere to the exosphere, in order, each labeled. Download a high-resolution PDF or PNG for Letter paper.
Earth's atmosphere, layer by layer
The Earth is wrapped in a blanket of air called the atmosphere. It is made of five layers, stacked from the ground all the way up to space. Here is what happens at each labeled part of the diagram:
| Layer | What it does |
|---|---|
| Troposphere | The bottom layer, where we live and where weather happens. Airplanes fly near the top of it. |
| Stratosphere | The next layer up, home to the ozone layer that blocks harmful rays from the Sun. |
| Mesosphere | The coldest layer, where most meteors burn up and become shooting stars. |
| Thermosphere | A very hot layer where the auroras glow and the space station orbits. |
| Exosphere | The top layer, which slowly fades into outer space. Many satellites orbit here. |
Companion worksheet
A free fill-in worksheet with an answer key, built from the labels above — students match each layer 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 are the 5 layers of the atmosphere in order?
From the ground up: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere.
Which layer do we live in?
We live in the troposphere, the lowest layer, which is also where all of our weather happens.
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.