Enter the distance, the height of the satellite, and the height of the antenna into the calculator to determine the Antenna Elevation Angle. This calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.

Antenna Elevation Angle Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Antenna Elevation Angle. 

EA = atan((d - (h1 - h2)) / d)

Variables:

  • EA is the Antenna Elevation Angle (degrees)
  • d is the distance between the antenna and the satellite (km)
  • h1 is the height of the satellite above the Earth’s surface (km)
  • h2 is the height of the antenna above the Earth’s surface (km)

To calculate the Antenna Elevation Angle, subtract the height of the antenna from the height of the satellite. Subtract this result from the distance between the antenna and the satellite. Then, divide this result by the distance between the antenna and the satellite. Finally, take the arctangent of this quotient to get the Antenna Elevation Angle.

What is an Antenna Elevation Angle?

Antenna Elevation Angle is the angle between the beam of an antenna and the horizon. It is used in the alignment of satellite dish antennas to accurately point towards the satellite. The elevation angle is measured in degrees and it determines how high in the sky the satellite is located. A higher elevation angle indicates that the satellite is located directly overhead, while a lower angle means the satellite is closer to the horizon.

How to Calculate Antenna Elevation Angle?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Antenna Elevation Angle:

  1. First, determine the distance between the antenna and the satellite (d) in kilometers.
  2. Next, determine the height of the satellite above the Earth’s surface (h1) in kilometers.
  3. Next, determine the height of the antenna above the Earth’s surface (h2) in kilometers.
  4. Next, substitute the values of d, h1, and h2 into the formula: EA = atan((d – (h1 – h2)) / d).
  5. Finally, calculate the Antenna Elevation Angle (EA) in degrees.
  6. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge:

distance (d) = 10 km

height of satellite (h1) = 5 km

height of antenna (h2) = 2 km