Shadow Length Calculator

Calculate shadow length from object height and sun elevation angle.

How It Works

Enter the height of an object and the sun's elevation angle. The calculator uses trigonometry to find how long the shadow will be on flat ground.

Formula

Shadow Length = Object Height / tan(Sun Elevation Angle)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you calculate shadow length?

Shadow length = object height / tan(sun elevation angle). When the sun is at 45 degrees, the shadow equals the object height. Lower sun angles create longer shadows.

When are shadows longest?

Shadows are longest at sunrise and sunset when the sun is near the horizon (low elevation angle). They are shortest at solar noon when the sun is highest.