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Mil Dot scopes are optics that allow users to easily calculate distances to a target without fancy equipment. Originally used by submarine periscopes, it has been scaled and re-implemented for military and recreational rifle marksmen to determine distance objects or to allow for bullet drop compensation. Once the basics are learned, calculating distances can be quick and painless using Mil Dots.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Background

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  1. They measure the same type of angular distance, but is actually 10 Mils instead of only one, which is more suited for marksmen use.
  2. 2
    A Mil is 1-6,175 of a circle. But to simplify calculations, the U.S. military calculates them as 1-6283 of a circle[1] (previously 1-6400 on older scopes). Russian-based scopes are set to 1-6,000 of a circle. This means there is up to a 3% error in distance calculations.
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  3. When looking at Mil Dots through a scope, one Mil is the distance from the center of one dot, to the center of the next dot (not the space between the dots).[2] Each dot is .2mil and the space between the dots is .8mil for the round army type mil dot reticle.
  4. 4
    Mil distances on rear-plane cross hairs on a variable-power scope usually are only accurate at the highest power.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Measuring Distance

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  1. [3]
  2. Some equations might get pretty complex, and accuracy is key, but the speed of a calculator may also help in some situations.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Why do you multiply by 1000 in the formula?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Mil stands for milliradian, so to get it to radians, you must multiply by 1000.
  • Question
    Is a bullet drop not part of the mil dot ranging?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Bullet weights and loads vary, so you might need to do a little of your own math and keep a record for height adjustments.
  • Question
    Can I use a normal mobile phone or camera to do this?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, if your mobile phone has a calculator, and you have the formula. Calculator apps are also available and are free to download on Google play and in the Apple play store.
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Tips

  • Another formula you can use is (25.4 x inch of target)/mil reading = distance in meters[4]
  • If you calculate using the size of objects in meters, the distance to the object will be in meters (for that matter, any measurement system will calculate accurately — size of target in inches to inches to target, kilometers to kilometers, fathoms to fathoms).
  • Stronger mounted scope also means you will lose sight of your target after the recoil. Less powerful scopes allow you to aim faster, and make quick follow up shots if needed.
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Warnings

  • Sloppy range estimate comes from sloppy estimation of size of the target and span of Mils.
  • Be sure to follow all state and local laws while shooting. Note that many laws on firearms change drastically from state to state, and can even change between counties or even cities.
  • Firearms can be very dangerous and even lethal. They should only be used by experienced firearm users or under the direct supervision of an expert firearm instructor.
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Expert Interview

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About This Article

Roger Judd
Co-authored by:
Firearms Instructor
This article was co-authored by Roger Judd. Roger Judd is a Firearms Instructor based in Mesa, Arizona. Roger and his team at Concealed AZ have been teaching NRA, Arizona Concealed Carry, group and individual firearms training classes as well as promotional, corporate, TV & media machine gun events since 2008. As an NRA Instructor, Roger specializes in teaching people how to safely use rifles, pistols, and shotguns. This article has been viewed 528,032 times.
6 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 18
Updated: July 12, 2024
Views: 528,032
Categories: Rifles
Article SummaryX

To calculate distance using a mil dot rifle scope, multiply the object’s height or width by 1000, then divide that number by the number of mils the object spans in your scope. For example, if you know a tree is 6 feet tall, but appears to be 8 mils in your scope, the object is 750 feet away. Since a mil is exactly the distance between the centers of the dots, you can compare an object to these dots to determine how many mils it is. Keep reading to learn how to account for error and be more accurate in your estimates!

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    Nov 26, 2016

    "I have read several articles on this subject that explained too many concepts at once. This seems much simpler."
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