Optics · Explainer
MOA vs MIL: which should you use?
Researched by James · Updated September 26, 2026 · Editorial policy
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The angular math below is computed directly from the MOA and mil definitions (1 MOA = 1.047 in at 100 yd; 1 mil = 3.6 in at 100 yd), cross-checked against Accurate Shooter's and Athlon Optics' explainers, both linked in Sources. Full methodology & editorial policy →
What is MOA on a scope?
MOA stands for minute of angle: 1/60th of one degree. Angles get wider in real-world distance the farther away you measure them, so 1 MOA equals about 1.047 inches at 100 yards — commonly rounded to "1 inch per 100 yards" for quick mental math, close enough for hunting distances. Most American hunting scopes have historically used MOA turrets and reticles, often in 1/4 MOA click increments.
What is a mil (MRAD) on a scope?
A mil, short for milliradian, is based on radians instead of degrees. One mil equals 1/1000th of the distance to the target, which works out to about 3.6 inches at 100 yards. Mil scopes usually adjust in 1/10 mil clicks. Mil math is popular with military, law enforcement, and PRS-style long-range shooters because it's base-10: multiplying or dividing by 10 just moves a decimal point, with no fractions to juggle under time pressure.
How big is a click, and how far does it move your bullet?
| Range | 1 MOA | 1/4 MOA click | 1 mil | 0.1 mil click |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 yd | 1.05 in | 0.26 in | 3.6 in | 0.36 in |
| 200 yd | 2.09 in | 0.52 in | 7.2 in | 0.72 in |
| 300 yd | 3.14 in | 0.79 in | 10.8 in | 1.08 in |
| 400 yd | 4.19 in | 1.05 in | 14.4 in | 1.44 in |
| 500 yd | 5.24 in | 1.31 in | 18.0 in | 1.80 in |
Both units scale directly with distance, which is exactly why they're called angular measurements — a 1/4 MOA click is worth more real inches at 400 yards than it is at 100. The gap between a 1/4 MOA click (0.26 in) and a 0.1 mil click (0.36 in) is only about a tenth of an inch at 100 yards, growing to roughly an inch at 1,000 yards. That's meaningful for competitive long-range shooters and functionally irrelevant for anyone hunting inside a few hundred yards.
Should you buy MOA or mil?
Pick based on what you'll actually use alongside the scope. If your rangefinder, ballistic app, or existing dope cards output mil, buy mil. If you're used to thinking in inches and MOA, or you're buying a classic American hunting scope, MOA is still extremely common and works just as well inside normal hunting ranges. What actually causes missed shots isn't MOA vs mil — it's a mismatch: a reticle etched in mil hash marks paired with turrets that click in MOA, forcing you to convert one to the other in your head while an animal is standing there. The Arken Outrider I reviewed uses 0.25 MOA clicks, matched to its MOA reticle option — that consistency is the part to check before you buy, more than which unit you personally prefer.
Does focal plane change any of this?
It changes whether the reticle's hash marks read correctly at every magnification or just one. See first focal plane vs second focal plane for that half of the picture — MOA vs mil and FFP vs SFP are two separate decisions that both affect how you dial and hold over.
Why this matters more the farther you shoot
The gap between systems is trivial at 50 yards and real at 400+. It's exactly why I build a holdover chart before trusting any long shot with my own rifle — on the 115- and 130-yard bird shots in my footage, a half-inch of unit confusion is the difference between a clean hit and a miss. See what 100+ yard airgun shots really take for how that plays out with slugs instead of centerfire bullets.
Good fit
- Mil: shooters using a mil-based rangefinder, app, or existing dope card
- MOA: hunters who think in inches and want a classic American hunting scope
- Either: as long as reticle and turret units match on the same scope
Look elsewhere
- A scope with mixed units (mil reticle, MOA turret, or vice versa)
- Switching units between your rifles if you can help it — pick one system and standardize
Verdict
There is no wrong answer between MOA and mil for hunting distances — the real mistake is mismatched units on the same scope, or switching systems between rifles and having to remember which is which. Pick one, confirm your reticle and turrets match it, and build your holdover chart in that unit. For the step-by-step, see how to sight in a rifle scope and using mil-dots and MOA for holdover.
Scopes with matched MOA or mil turrets
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FAQ
What is the difference between MOA and MIL on a scope?
They're two different angular units used to measure both reticle hash marks and turret clicks. MOA (minute of angle) is based on degrees: 1 MOA equals 1.047 inches at 100 yards. MIL (milliradian) is based on radians: 1 mil equals 3.6 inches at 100 yards. Neither is more precise; they're just different rulers.
How big is a click on a rifle scope?
It depends on the scope's click value. A common 1/4 MOA click moves point of impact about 0.26 inches at 100 yards. A common 1/10 mil click moves it 0.36 inches at 100 yards. Both are fine adjustments — the difference between them is small enough that it rarely matters for hunting.
Should I buy an MOA scope or a MIL scope?
Whichever matches how you think and what your rangefinder or ballistic app outputs. MIL math tends to feel simpler because it's base-10 (multiply by 10 to move a decimal), which is why most tactical and PRS shooters default to mil. MOA remains common on hunting scopes in the U.S. Either works well for hunting distances; consistency matters more than the choice itself.
Can you mix MOA turrets with a mil reticle, or the reverse?
You can, but you shouldn't. If your turret clicks in 1/4 MOA while your reticle hash marks are calibrated in mils, every holdover-to-click conversion requires extra math under time pressure. Always buy or set up a scope with matching reticle and turret units.
How much does 1 MOA move your bullet at different distances?
MOA is an angle, so its inch value grows with distance: about 1.05 inches at 100 yards, 2.09 at 200, 3.14 at 300, and 4.19 at 400 yards. That's why long shots need more total elevation, and why matching your dope card's units to your turret is critical past 200 yards.
How much does 1 mil move your bullet at different distances?
Also proportional to distance: about 3.6 inches at 100 yards, 7.2 at 200, 10.8 at 300, and 14.4 at 400 yards. A mil covers roughly 3.6 times more inches than an MOA at the same distance, which is why mil turrets typically have less total travel needed for the same real-world adjustment.
Is a 1/4 MOA click finer than a 1/10 mil click?
Barely. A 1/4 MOA click is 0.26 inches at 100 yards; a 1/10 mil click is 0.36 inches. That's a 0.1-inch difference at 100 yards, or about 1 inch at 1,000 yards — real on paper at extreme range, but not something a hunter will notice inside normal hunting distances.
Does MOA vs mil matter for airgun holdover?
It matters the same way it does for firearms: whatever unit your reticle's hash marks use, your dope needs to be built and read in that same unit. Most dedicated airgun holdover charts are built in either MOA or mil depending on the scope. See building an air rifle holdover chart for the full method.