Angle of elevation calculator
Stand a known distance from an object and measure the angle up to its top to get its height. Suits trigonometry lessons and field measuring.
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How to use it
- Enter solve for, elevation angle θ, horizontal distance to object, object height and observer eye height above ground.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
Height H = d × tan θ + e, where d is the horizontal distance and e the observer's eye height. Angle θ = arctan((H - e) / d). Distance d = (H - e) / tan θ.
Example
Inputs: Solve for = Object height, Elevation angle θ = 30 °, Horizontal distance to object = 50, Object height = 30, Observer eye height above ground = 1.5. Result: Object height: 30.3675; Line of sight to the top: 57.735.
Limits and caveats
- Assumes level ground and a horizontal distance to the point directly below the top.
- A one degree error in the angle changes the height a lot at steep angles, so stand far enough back.
Questions about this tool
What is an angle of elevation?
The angle between the horizontal and your line of sight up to something above you, such as the top of a tower or tree.
Why add eye height?
The angle is measured from your eye level, not the ground, so your height up to the eyes is added to the result.
How can I measure the angle without special tools?
A phone level or inclinometer app works, or a protractor with a string and a small weight.