Calculator
Rangefinder maths
Enter the distance your rangefinder shows and the angle in degrees: uphill positive, downhill negative. The result is pure geometry, without any maker's 'plays like' adjustment.
In short
Horizontal distance = d x cos(angle) and height difference = d x sin(angle). 1 yd = 0.9144 m exactly, 1 m = 1.0936 yd and 1 m = 3.2808 ft. Example: 150 yd at +8° is 148.5 yd horizontal and 20.9 yd (19.1 m) higher.
Work out the flat distance
150.0 yd
137.2 m
148.5 yd
135.8 m
20.9 yd
19.1 m · 63 ft
Pure geometry. Makers' "plays like" slope figures add their own adjustments, so numbers differ between brands. Under Rule 4.3, distance-only devices are allowed unless a Local Rule bans them; any slope function must be off in competition.
150 yards at different angles
| Angle | Horizontal | Height difference |
|---|---|---|
| +3° | 149.8 yd | 7.9 yd (7.2 m) |
| +5° | 149.4 yd | 13.1 yd (12.0 m) |
| +8° | 148.5 yd | 20.9 yd (19.1 m) |
| +12° | 146.7 yd | 31.2 yd (28.5 m) |
| -5° | 149.4 yd | 13.1 yd lower (12.0 m) |
Yards and metres
| Yards | Metres |
|---|---|
| 100 | 91.4 |
| 150 | 137.2 |
| 200 | 182.9 |
| 250 | 228.6 |
| 300 | 274.3 |
Slope and the Rules of Golf
Under Rule 4.3, a device that measures distance only is allowed unless the committee has a Local Rule against it. A device with a slope function can be used in competition only with that function switched off. Check the Local Rules for each event.