Minute Of Angle Formula:
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Minute Of Angle (MOA) is an angular measurement used in shooting and ballistics to describe accuracy and precision. One MOA equals 1/60th of one degree, which is approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards.
The calculator uses the MOA formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts linear measurements at a given distance into angular measurements in minutes of angle.
Details: MOA calculation is essential for marksmen to understand rifle accuracy, adjust scopes, and compare shooting performance across different distances.
Tips: Enter arc length in inches and distance in yards. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: Why is 3438 used in the formula?
A: 3438 is the number of minutes in one radian (approximately 3437.75 rounded up), used to convert from linear to angular measurement.
Q2: What is a good MOA value for a rifle?
A: A rifle that shoots 1 MOA or less is considered very accurate, meaning it can group shots within 1 inch at 100 yards.
Q3: How does MOA relate to MILs?
A: MOA and MIL (milliradian) are both angular measurements. 1 MIL equals approximately 3.4377 MOA, with MIL being more common in military applications.
Q4: Can I use meters instead of yards?
A: The formula requires consistent units. For meters, you would need to use a different conversion factor (approximately 3438 * 0.9144).
Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation provides a good approximation for most shooting applications, though extreme distances may require more complex calculations.