How this calculation works
Find the horizontal shadow length of a vertical object on level ground.
THE FORMULA
L=h/tan θA worked example
A height of 5 with 45° elevation gives a length of 5.
Good to know
Use elevation above the horizontal.
Reference: OpenStax Algebra and Trigonometry (opens in a new tab) ↗
Read the result
Find the horizontal shadow length of a vertical object on level ground.
The primary result is labeled “Shadow length”. Keep the input definitions in view when comparing this result with another method.
Try a related calculation
Use elevation above the horizontal.
For a related exercise, try the quadratic equation solver.
A few questions, answered
How can I check the default inputs by hand?
A height of 5 with 45° elevation gives a length of 5.
Which rule does this calculator apply?
L=h/tan θ