Angle of Elevation Calculator

About this calculator

The angle of elevation is the angle between a horizontal line of sight and the line to an object above it, found with basic trigonometry as θ = arctan(height ÷ horizontal distance) — the same right-triangle relationship used in reverse for angle of depression. Because tangent relates the opposite and adjacent sides of a right triangle, only the vertical rise and horizontal run are needed, with no direct-line-of-sight distance required.

This calculator takes a height and a horizontal distance and returns the elevation angle in degrees (and radians). Surveyors and construction estimators use it to check sightlines and roof or ramp angles, students use it for trigonometry word problems involving flagpoles, buildings, or kites, and photographers and drone pilots use it to plan shots at a known height and distance.