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How to Read Yardage on a Scope

Scopes equipped with ranging marks (mil-dots) along the length of the reticles can be used to determine the range to target in meters, which can then be quickly converted to yards with the use of a conversion table. Estimating the range with a scope requires you to know the height of your target in meters and the ability to perform a simple math formula. Using a calculator can make it easier.

Things You'll Need

Conversion table
Calculator

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the height of your target in meters.
- 2
  Aim at your target and align the horizontal reticle on the bottom edge of your target. Count the number of mil-dots to the top of your target; if the top is above a dot, estimate the percentage of the interval used (for example, if the top is halfway between dots then record the percentage as .5).
- 3
  Divide the height in meters by your dot count and multiply your answer by 1,000. Your answer is the range to target in meters. For example, if your target height is one meter and your dot count is two, then your equation would read: 1÷2 = .5 x 1,000 = 500. The distance is 500 meters.
- 4
  Use your conversion table and calculator to convert the meters to yards. One meter is equivalent to 1.09 yards, so, using the previous example, 500 meters equates to 546.8 yards.

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