About the Angular Diameter Calculator

Calculate an object's angular diameter, true size, or distance using ฮด = 2ยทarctan(d/2D).

What it is

The Angular Diameter Calculator relates an object's true physical size, its distance, and how large it appears from Earth. Enter any two of true diameter, distance, and angular diameter, and it solves for the third using the exact arctan formula โ€” the same relationship that explains why the Moon and the Sun appear almost the same size in our sky despite one being 400 times larger and 400 times farther away.

Features

Solve for any variable

Enter any two of diameter, distance, and angular size to find the third.

Unit flexibility

Diameter and distance in km, miles, AU, or light-years.

Presets

The Moon, the Sun, Jupiter, and a distant-star example with real values.

Auto-scaling units

Results shown in degrees, arcminutes, or arcseconds depending on scale.

Ready to use it?

Free, no sign-up required.

Open the Angular Diameter Calculator