Mrad Calculator

Mrad Distance Calculator

Use this calculator to determine the distance to a target based on its known size and the observed milliradian (mrad) value through your scope.

Inches Centimeters

Yards Meters

Understanding Milliradians (Mrads) in Shooting

A milliradian, often shortened to "mrad" or "mil," is a unit of angular measurement commonly used in shooting, particularly with rifle scopes featuring mrad reticles. It's a system designed for precision, allowing shooters to estimate distances, make holdover adjustments for bullet drop, and correct for windage.

What is a Milliradian?

Mathematically, a milliradian is 1/1000th of a radian. In practical terms for shooting, 1 mrad subtends approximately 3.6 inches at 100 yards, or 10 centimeters at 100 meters. This consistent angular relationship between target size, distance, and mrads is what makes it so useful.

How Mrads are Used for Ranging

One of the primary applications of mrads is range estimation. If you know the actual size of a target and can measure how many mrads it subtends in your scope, you can calculate the distance to that target. This is invaluable when a laser rangefinder isn't available or practical.

The fundamental principle is based on the formula:

• Distance (yards) = (Target Size in Inches / Observed Mrads) × 27.778
• Distance (meters) = (Target Size in cm / Observed Mrads) × 10

The constants (27.778 and 10) are conversion factors that simplify the calculation, accounting for the relationship between mrads, inches/cm, and yards/meters.

Using the Mrad Distance Calculator

1. Enter Target Size: Input the known height or width of your target. For example, if you're aiming at a standard 18-inch steel plate, enter '18'.
2. Select Target Size Unit: Choose whether your target size is in 'Inches' or 'Centimeters'.
3. Enter Observed Mrads: Look through your mrad-reticle scope and measure how many mrads the target subtends. Input this value.
4. Select Output Distance Unit: Choose whether you want the calculated distance to be displayed in 'Yards' or 'Meters'.
5. Click "Calculate Distance": The calculator will instantly provide the estimated distance to your target.

Examples:

Example 1: Estimating Distance to a Known Target

• You are looking at a standard IPSC target, which is approximately 30 inches tall.
• Through your scope, you observe the target subtends 3.5 mrads.
• Using the calculator with Target Size = 30 inches, Observed Mrads = 3.5, and Output Unit = Yards:
• Distance = (30 / 3.5) * 27.778 ≈ 238.1 yards.

Example 2: Metric Calculation

• You are ranging a target known to be 45 cm tall.
• Your scope shows it subtends 1.8 mrads.
• Using the calculator with Target Size = 45 cm, Observed Mrads = 1.8, and Output Unit = Meters:
• Distance = (45 / 1.8) * 10 ≈ 250 meters.

Tips for Accurate Ranging with Mrads:

• Know Your Target Sizes: The more accurately you know the size of objects in your environment (e.g., deer vitals, fence post heights, standard target dimensions), the more accurate your ranging will be.
• Precise Mrad Reading: Practice reading your scope's reticle precisely. Small errors in mrad estimation lead to larger errors in distance.
• Steady Hold: A steady hold is crucial for accurate mrad measurement. Use a bipod or rest if possible.
• Environmental Factors: Be aware that mirage can distort target appearance and make mrad readings difficult at long distances.

Estimated Distance: " + finalDistance.toFixed(2) + " " + finalUnit + "