Ar-15 Bullet Drop Calculator

Accurate shooting requires understanding bullet drop, especially when engaging targets at longer distances. This AR-15 bullet drop calculator helps you determine how much your bullet will drop at specific distances, allowing you to compensate for this effect.

What is bullet drop?

Bullet drop is the vertical distance a bullet travels after leaving the muzzle of a firearm. It occurs because bullets follow a parabolic trajectory due to gravity. For accurate shooting, especially in long-range engagements, understanding and compensating for bullet drop is crucial.

The amount of drop depends on several factors including the bullet's initial velocity, the distance to the target, and the angle of the shot. In precision shooting, compensating for bullet drop ensures your bullet hits the intended target rather than falling short or above it.

How to calculate bullet drop

Calculating bullet drop involves understanding the physics of projectile motion. The key factors are:

Muzzle velocity (how fast the bullet leaves the barrel)
Distance to target
Bullet weight (affects drag and drop)
Gravity (constant force acting downward)

The basic formula for bullet drop is derived from the physics of projectile motion, considering the initial vertical velocity and the acceleration due to gravity.

Bullet Drop Formula

The standard formula for bullet drop is:

Drop = (V² × sin(2θ)) / (2 × g)

Where:

V = muzzle velocity (feet per second)
θ = angle of elevation (radians)
g = acceleration due to gravity (32.174 ft/s²)

For small angles, this simplifies to:

Drop ≈ (V × θ) / g

This simplified formula is often used in practical shooting scenarios where the angle is small.

How to use this calculator

Using the AR-15 bullet drop calculator is straightforward:

Enter your bullet's muzzle velocity in feet per second
Select the distance to your target
Click "Calculate" to see the bullet drop at that distance
Review the results and adjust your shooting angle if needed

The calculator will display the bullet drop in inches and provide a visual representation of how much the bullet will drop at the specified distance.

Bullet Drop Compensation

To compensate for bullet drop, you can adjust your shooting angle or use a sight that accounts for drop. Common methods include:

Elevating the front sight to account for drop
Using a drop compensator sight
Adjusting the sight height based on distance

For example, if your bullet drops 2 inches at 100 yards, you might elevate your front sight by 2 inches to ensure your bullet hits the target.

Common Bullet Drop Values

Here are some typical bullet drop values for common AR-15 loads:

Distance	Muzzle Velocity (fps)	Bullet Drop (inches)
100 yards	2,800	1.8
200 yards	2,800	7.2
300 yards	2,800	15.2
100 yards	3,000	1.3
200 yards	3,000	5.2

These values show how bullet drop increases with distance and how higher muzzle velocities result in less drop at the same distance.

FAQ

What is the most accurate way to measure bullet drop?: The most accurate method is to use a chronograph to measure muzzle velocity and then apply the bullet drop formula. Field testing with known distances can also provide practical data.
Does bullet drop affect all types of ammunition equally?: No, bullet drop varies based on muzzle velocity, bullet weight, and the specific ammunition load. Heavier bullets with lower velocities will drop more than lighter bullets with higher velocities.
How can I compensate for bullet drop in my AR-15?: You can elevate your front sight to account for drop, use a drop compensator sight, or adjust your sight height based on distance. Many precision sights include built-in drop compensation.
Is bullet drop the same as bullet drift?: No, bullet drop refers to vertical movement, while bullet drift refers to horizontal movement caused by wind or other factors. Both need to be accounted for in long-range shooting.
Can I use this calculator for other firearms besides AR-15s?: Yes, the calculator can be used for any firearm by entering the appropriate muzzle velocity and distance values. The principles of bullet drop apply to all firearms.