Understanding MOA: A Complete Distance Chart for Precision Shooting (50 to 1000 Yards)

To make accurate adjustments while shooting, it’s essential to understand MOA (Minute of Angle) — a core concept that applies to everything from tactical engagements to long-range precision shooting.

Whether you’re working with red dot sights, LPVOs, or long-range rifle scopes, this guide will help you calculate MOA at different distances and show how it applies in real-world shooting.

What Is MOA?

MOA stands for Minute of Angle, a unit of angular measurement. Since it’s an angle, MOA naturally increases in spread the farther you get from the source — which, in this case, is your rifle barrel.

• 1 MOA = 1/60th of a degree
• 1 MOA at 100 yards ≈ 1.047 inches

For practical purposes, shooters often round 1 MOA to 1 inch per 100 yards, since the difference is minimal at most distances.

So:

• 1 MOA at 200 yards = 2.094 inches
• 1 MOA at 300 yards = 3.141 inches
• And so on.

Why MOA Matters in Shooting

Rifle scopes, red dots, and precision optics often adjust in MOA. These adjustments help move your point of impact (POI) by a specific measurement at a given distance. For example:

• 1 click = 1/4 MOA (Most common)
• That means 4 clicks = 1 MOA
• At 100 yards, 1/4 MOA = ~0.26 inches

Understanding MOA helps you:

• Zero your rifle accurately
• Adjust for wind and elevation
• Understand reticle subtensions
• Match bullet trajectory to distance

MOA Distance Chart (From 50 to 1000 Yards)

Use this reference chart to determine how many inches are covered by different MOA values at various distances.

Common Scope Adjustments by MOA Increment

Example: MOA Adjustment in Practice

Imagine your bullet is hitting 2 inches low at 100 yards and your scope adjusts in 1/4 MOA per click:

• 2 inches ≈ 2 MOA
• 2 MOA × 4 clicks/MOA = 8 clicks up

This method is simple and works reliably at any distance, as long as you understand the relationship between MOA and range.

Applying MOA with Different Optics

LPVOs (Low Power Variable Optics)

Great for 0–600 yards, LPVOs like the Odin 1-8×24 FFP LPVO Rifle Scope combine speed and precision. Here’s how to apply MOA knowledge:

• Zero at 100 yards for balanced performance
• Use reticle holds instead of dialing for quick shots
• Know the spacing of subtensions (e.g., 2 MOA = 2″, 4″, 6″ at 100, 200, 300 yards)
• Dial only when necessary, such as for precise long-range hits

HPVOs (High Power Variable Optics)

Designed for long-distance shooting, typically 300–1,000 yards:

• Use 1/4 or 1/8 MOA adjustments for exact POI correction
• Dial your turrets using data from ballistic calculators
• Maintain a zero at 100 or 200 yards
• Record your dope (data on previous engagements) in MOA for different distances

Red Dot Sights

Best for CQB and short-range (0–100 yards), red dots operate differently:

• Adjust in 1/2 or 1 MOA per click
• Zero at 25 or 50 yards for a good point of impact up to 100
• Don’t dial — use visual holdovers
• Be aware of your dot size (e.g., a 2 MOA dot = 2″ at 100 yards)

Final Thoughts

MOA is more than just a unit of measurement — it’s the key to understanding your optic’s behavior across distances. Whether you’re fine-tuning a red dot, setting up an LPVO, or adjusting a long-range rifle scope, mastering MOA gives you the precision needed for consistent hits.

With this chart and explanation, you’ll have everything you need to make fast and accurate scope adjustments — from 50 yards out to 1,000.