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Angle of Depression Calculator

Find downward viewing angle from drop and distance

Angle of Depression Formula

θ = tan⁻¹(drop / distance)

Angle of depression measures how far downward a line of sight is from the horizontal. The tangent ratio uses vertical drop over horizontal distance.

Vertical drop and horizontal distance must be positive and in the same unit. The result is shown in degrees.

How Angle of Depression Works

The observer looks downward from a horizontal reference line. The vertical drop is opposite the angle, and the horizontal distance is adjacent.

Vertical Drop

Height difference downward.

Horizontal Distance

Ground distance to the object.

Tangent Ratio

tan θ = drop/distance.

Line of Sight

Angle is measured downward from horizontal.

💡 Example: For drop=40 and distance=80, θ=tan⁻¹(0.5)=26.565°.

Applications of Angle of Depression

NavigationSurveyingAviationLine of Sight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an angle of depression calculator?
It finds the downward angle from a horizontal line of sight to a lower object.
What is the angle of depression formula?
tan(θ)=vertical drop/horizontal distance, so θ=tan⁻¹(drop/distance).
How do I use this calculator?
Enter vertical drop and horizontal distance, then click Calculate.
Is angle of depression equal to angle of elevation?
In many right-triangle setups, they are equal because horizontal lines are parallel.
Where is angle of depression used?
It is used in navigation, surveying, aviation, cliffs, towers, and line-of-sight problems.

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