Distance to Object (Angle + Height)
distance = height / tan(angle). Range from observer to base of object.
Result
Horizontal distance
173.21 ft
Line of sight: 200.00 ft.
- Object height100 ft
- Angle30°
- Distance173.2051 ft
- Line of sight200.0000 ft
Step-by-step
- tan(30°) = 100 / d.
- d = 100 / tan(30°) = 173.205 ft.
How to use this calculator
- Enter object height + measured angle of elevation.
About this calculator
Range from observer to base of object using elevation angle + known object height. Standard hypsometer / clinometer calculation. Useful for sniper rangefinding (with known target height), naval gunnery (mast height), surveying (distant landmarks). Light refraction matters at long range; assume straight-line for distances < 5 miles.
Frequently asked
Subtract eye height from object height for accurate distance. 6 ft observer measuring 100 ft tower: use 94 ft.
Related calculators
Angle of Elevation / Depression
tan(angle) = opposite / adjacent. Find angle from height + distance.
Ladder Safe Angle (4:1 Rule)
For every 4 ft of height, base is 1 ft from wall. Angle ≈ 75.5°.
Roof Rafter Length
Rafter² = run² + rise². Pythagorean from pitch + run.
Satellite Dish Pointing (Az/El)
Approximate azimuth + elevation for geostationary satellite (101°W example).
Surveying Triangulation Distance
Given baseline + 2 angles, find unknown distance via law of sines.
Right Triangle Solver
Given any 2 of (a, b, c, angle), solve all remaining sides + angles.