About the Ballistic Click Calculator
Use this tool to estimate the elevation adjustment needed to compensate for bullet trajectory at 100, 200, 300, and 400 yards. It is useful for shooters who want a quick planning reference based on rifle, ammunition, scope, and temperature inputs before confirming data at the range.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the zero distance in yards.
- Enter the muzzle velocity in feet per second and the G1-style ballistic coefficient.
- Enter the sight height in inches from bore center to scope center.
- Enter the scope click value in MOA per click and the temperature in °F.
- Click Calculate Clicks to view drop, MOA correction, clicks, and dial direction.
- Click Reset to restore the default values.
How it works
The calculator estimates the bullet’s vertical path relative to the line of sight at 100, 200, 300, and 400 yards. Inputs include zero distance, muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient, sight height, scope click value, and temperature.
It first estimates time of flight using a simplified velocity decay model based on ballistic coefficient and a small air-density correction from temperature. Gravity is then used to estimate raw bullet drop over that flight time.
The zero distance is used to determine the bore angle needed for the bullet path to intersect the line of sight at the chosen zero. For each range, the calculator finds impact height versus line of sight, converts the needed correction into MOA using 1 MOA = 1.047 inches at 100 yards, and divides by the scope’s MOA-per-click value to estimate clicks.
This is an educational approximation, not a substitute for verified range data. Real results can vary due to drag model, bullet design, altitude, wind, chronograph accuracy, rifle setup, and shooting conditions.
Example calculation
Using the default values of a 100-yard zero, 2800 fps muzzle velocity, 0.450 ballistic coefficient, 1.5 inch sight height, 0.25 MOA per click, and 59°F temperature, the calculator estimates the bullet path at each listed range. At 400 yards, it computes the impact below the line of sight, converts that drop to an MOA correction, then divides by 0.25 MOA per click. If the result is about 28 clicks, the scope would be dialed 28 clicks up for the estimated 400-yard correction.
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive click result mean?
A positive click result means dial the scope up to raise the point of impact for that range.
Why does the calculator show drop versus zero instead of total drop from the bore?
The displayed path is relative to the line of sight established by your zero, which is the practical reference for scope adjustments.
How accurate are these ballistic click estimates?
They are rough planning estimates. Confirm actual dope at the range because real trajectories depend on bullet shape, atmosphere, wind, rifle setup, and measured velocity.
What scope click value should I enter?
Enter the elevation adjustment value printed for your scope, such as 0.25 MOA per click for a common quarter-MOA turret.
Does temperature affect the result?
Yes. The calculator applies a small temperature-based air-density correction, with warmer temperatures generally reducing drag slightly and colder temperatures increasing it slightly.