MOA Calculator— convert group size to MOA
Enter your shot group size and distance, and the calculator will compute your MOA and rate your accuracy. Works with both metric and imperial units.
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What is MOA?
MOA (Minute of Angle) is an angular measurement equal to 1/60 of a degree. In practical shooting terms, 1 MOA subtends approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards (about 2.91 cm at 100 meters).
MOA is the standard in the shooting world because it lets you describe precision independently of distance. Instead of saying “my group was 3 inches,” you say “I shot a 3 MOA group” — and every shooter knows exactly what that means, whether you were at 25 yards or 300 meters.
This calculator uses the formula: MOA = (group size / distance) × (100 / 29.1) with automatic unit conversion for both metric and imperial inputs.
How to interpret your MOA result
Here is a general accuracy scale for sport and recreational shooters:
| Result | Rating |
|---|---|
| < 1 MOA | Excellent |
| 1 – 2 MOA | Very good |
| 2 – 4 MOA | Average |
| > 4 MOA | Needs work |
Keep in mind that MOA is just one metric. Your results are influenced by technique, firearm, ammunition, weather conditions, and fatigue.
Why MOA matters
MOA gives the entire shooting community a common language — regardless of whether you shoot at 25 yards or 1,000 meters. With MOA you can:
- →Objectively track your accuracy improvement over time
- →Compare different firearm and ammunition combinations
- →Make precise scope adjustments (turret clicks in MOA)
- →Communicate results clearly with other shooters
- →Plan equipment upgrades based on specific distance requirements
In the ShootLog app, every series you record with a group size and distance gets an automatic MOA calculation — so you can see your accuracy trend over time without manual math.
MOA vs. MRAD — which system to use?
Both MOA and MRAD (milliradian, often called “mil”) are angular measurement systems used in precision shooting. The key difference is granularity: 1 MOA is about 1.047 inches at 100 yards, while 1 MRAD is about 3.6 inches at 100 yards. This means MOA gives you finer adjustment per click on most scopes.
Most American shooters and many sport shooters worldwide use MOA. MRAD is common in military and European long-range shooting. Both systems work — the important thing is to be consistent. This calculator works in MOA, which is the most widely understood system for recreational and sport shooters.
How to measure your shot group
For an accurate MOA calculation, you need a reliable group size measurement. Here is the standard method:
- →Shoot a minimum of 3 rounds (5 is the standard for testing)
- →Measure the distance between the two farthest bullet holes, center to center
- →This is your group size — enter it into the calculator above
- →For center-to-center measurement, measure outside edge to outside edge and subtract one bullet diameter
- →Always note the exact distance to the target
Frequently asked questions
What is MOA in shooting?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle, an angular unit equal to 1/60 of a degree. At 100 yards, 1 MOA equals about 1.047 inches. Shooters use it to describe shot group precision independently of distance.
How do you calculate MOA from group size?
Divide your group size by the distance, then multiply by a constant. In inches/yards: MOA ≈ group (in) / distance (yd) × 100. In metric: MOA = group (mm) / distance (m) × (100 / 29.1). Or just use the calculator above.
What is a good MOA for a pistol?
For a handgun, 2–4 MOA is solid recreational accuracy. Under 2 MOA from a pistol is impressive. Competition pistol shooters often achieve sub-2 MOA at 25 yards. Remember that pistol accuracy depends heavily on the shooter, not just the gun.
What is the difference between MOA and MRAD?
Both are angular measurements. 1 MOA ≈ 1.047 inches at 100 yards; 1 MRAD ≈ 3.6 inches at 100 yards. MOA offers finer per-click adjustments on most scopes. MOA is more common among American shooters; MRAD is popular in military and metric-based communities.
Does barrel length affect MOA?
Barrel length itself does not directly determine MOA. However, longer barrels generally produce higher muzzle velocity and can improve consistency. The quality of the barrel, crown, and rifling matters far more for accuracy than length alone.
How many MOA clicks to adjust my scope?
Most MOA scopes adjust in 1/4 MOA clicks. So if you need to move your point of impact by 1 MOA (about 1 inch at 100 yards), you need 4 clicks. At 200 yards, the same 4 clicks moves impact by about 2 inches. Always check your scope’s specification for click value.
MOA tracking in ShootLog
A calculator is a good start — but to truly track precision over time, you need a history. ShootLog automatically calculates MOA for every recorded series, regardless of distance — 25 yards, 100 meters, or long range.
- →Automatic MOA calculation for every series — no manual math
- →Group size history per distance and firearm
- →Precision trend chart — see if you are actually improving
- →Compare MOA across sessions and equipment setups
- →Works for pistol, rifle, and long-range shooters