# Binoculars Range Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/physics/binoculars-range/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The binoculars range calculator estimates the distance to an object of known size from its angular height measured with a mil-dot reticle in binoculars or a rifle scope.

## Inputs

- Object height (m, cm, mm, km, in, ft, yd, mi)
- Angular height of the object (mrad)

## Results

- Distance to the object
- Angular height in MOA

## Formula

```
Distance = object height / angular height (in mrad) × 1000
```

## Explanation

Military and marine binoculars often have a reticle graduated in milliradians (mils). One mil covers 1 m at 1,000 m, so an object of known height that spans a certain number of mils is at a predictable distance – the "mil relation".

### How to use the Binoculars Range Calculator

- **Object height**
- **Angular height of the object (mrad)**

Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.

### How it works

Enter the known height of the object and how many milliradians it spans in the reticle.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterObject heightUnits: m, cm, mm, km, in, ft …Angular height of the object (mrad)A number

### What each result means

- **Distance to the object** = [Object height]÷[Angular height of the object (mrad)]×1000
- **Angular height in MOA** = [Angular height of the object (mrad)]×3.4377

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Object height** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Object height (m)Distance to the object (m)0.94501.356751.89002.251,1252.71,3503.61,800

## Worked example

Inputs — Object height: 1.8 m; Angular height of the object (mrad): 2.

Results — **Distance to the object = 900 m**; Angular height in MOA = 6.875 MOA.

## Key terms

- **Milliradian**: One thousandth of a radian.

## FAQ

**What is a mil?**
A milliradian – 1 m at 1,000 m.

**How accurate is mil ranging?**
Within a few percent if the object size and reading are accurate.

**What are typical object sizes?**
A standing person ≈ 1.8 m, a car ≈ 1.5 m high, a door ≈ 2 m.

**Can I use MOA instead?**
Yes – 1 mrad ≈ 3.438 MOA.


## Sources

- [OpenStax – University Physics Volume 3](https://openstax.org/details/books/university-physics-volume-3)
- [HyperPhysics (Georgia State University)](http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html)