Physics

Distance to Horizon Calculator

Find how far away the horizon is from a given height.

Eye height

Earth radius

Calculated Output

Distance to horizon 4,654.18

Distance 0.0047

Formula: d = √(2·R·h)

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Values used:

2. Eye height = 1.7

3. Earth radius = 6,371,000

5. Distance to horizon = 4,654.18

6. Distance = 0.0047

Did this calculator solve your problem today?

The math behind it

Geometrically, d ≈ √(2·R·h), ignoring atmospheric refraction.

Eye height 1.7 m → about 4.65 km.

Does refraction extend it?

Yes — bending of light typically adds a few percent to the geometric value.