MOA

MOA (Minute of Angle) is an angular unit used to measure firearm accuracy and adjust rifle scopes. One MOA equals approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards, often simplified to roughly 1 inch at 100 yards.

What is MOA

MOA stands for Minute of Angle. One degree is divided into 60 angular minutes. In shooting, MOA is used to express weapon accuracy and to make sight adjustments. At 100 yards, 1 MOA represents a spread of approximately 1.047 inches.

Practical MOA values:

• 100 yards: 1 MOA = 1.047 inches
• 200 yards: 1 MOA = 2.094 inches
• 300 yards: 1 MOA = 3.141 inches
• 500 yards: 1 MOA = 5.235 inches

MOA in riflescopes

Most riflescopes use MOA for elevation and windage adjustments. Each click on the turret typically corresponds to 1/4 MOA or 1/8 MOA.

MOA vs MRAD

Besides MOA, the MRAD (milliradian) unit is also widely used. Both units serve the same purpose but differ in scale:

• MOA: Traditional, popular in the US, 1 MOA = 1.047 inches at 100 yards
• MRAD: Metric-based system, 1 MRAD = 10 cm at 100 m (3.6 inches at 100 yards)

For the metric system, MRAD is simpler to calculate with. For imperial units, MOA is more intuitive.

Weapon accuracy in MOA

Weapon accuracy is often expressed as spread in MOA:

• Sub-MOA: Groups under 1 inch at 100 yards – a very accurate weapon
• 1–2 MOA: Standard hunting accuracy
• 3+ MOA: Typical accuracy for recreational shooting

Quality air rifles achieve 1–2 MOA accuracy, and top-tier PCP models can produce sub-MOA results.

Related terms: MRAD, riflescope, red dot sight, BDC, reticle