Calculate an archery shot angle from horizontal distance and elevation, or the angle-compensated shoot-for distance from rangefinder distance and angle.
Archery Shot-Angle Geometry
Horizontal distance and signed vertical difference form the legs of a right triangle; the shot angle is measured from horizontal.
How the Calculation Works
Choose the quantity to solve for and enter the remaining values. Inputs are retained when you switch modes.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the value or workflow you want in the Solve for menu.
- Enter only the visible source values and use the units shown beside them.
- Select Calculate and review the primary answer, supporting values, warning, and steps.
- Use Reset before starting a different bow, arrow, or round.
Worked Example
A target 10 yards above an archer and 40 yards away horizontally forms a 14.036-degree uphill angle.
Input and Result Guide
| Item | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Horizontal distance | Use level ground distance, not line-of-sight distance. |
| Elevation | Use positive for uphill and negative for downhill. |
| Angle | Use a signed angle strictly between -90 and 90 degrees. |
| Units | Each distance can use its own selected unit; the calculator converts them consistently. |
| Shoot-for distance | This geometry can show the horizontal component but does not predict the full arrow trajectory. |
Interpreting the Result
The sign identifies uphill or downhill geometry. Rangefinder, sight, speed, drag, and verified field practice still determine an actual aiming solution.
Assumptions and Limitations
This is right-triangle geometry, not a ballistics model. It ignores drag, gravity drop along the flight path, wind, launch height, sight offset, and bow-specific calibration.
Common Questions
Why did a field disappear after I changed Solve for?
A hidden field is either the requested output or irrelevant to the selected workflow. Enter the remaining visible source values.
Will my last successful calculation be restored?
Yes. The calculator saves the last successful inputs in this browser and recomputes the result on return. Reset clears that saved state.
Sources
Standard right-triangle trigonometry; rangefinder and bow-sight manufacturer guidance.