MOA and MRAD are angular measurement systems used for scope adjustments and reticles. Neither is inherently more accurate; the practical difference is how you calculate, communicate and correct.
What is MOA?
One minute of angle is 1/60 of a degree. At 100 yards, 1 MOA is about 1.047 inches. A common 1/4-MOA turret needs four clicks for one MOA of adjustment.
What is MRAD?
One milliradian is one-thousandth of a radian. At 100 meters, 0.1 MRAD corresponds to 1 centimeter. A common 0.1-MRAD turret uses ten clicks for one MRAD.
Practical differences
- MOA: often paired with yards and inches; common adjustment is 1/4 MOA per click.
- MRAD: convenient for decimal calculations; common adjustment is 0.1 MRAD per click.
- Both work with any distance unit because both are angular measurements.
Keep the reticle and turret matched
The most important rule is consistency. An MRAD reticle with MRAD turrets lets you observe a correction and dial the same value. The same principle applies to MOA. Mixing systems adds unnecessary conversion.
Which should you choose?
- Choose MOA if your existing data and mental references use MOA.
- Choose MRAD if you prefer decimal corrections or your group communicates in mils.
- If starting fresh, use the system supported by the people and tools around you.
Browse our Rifle Scopes and confirm that reticle and turret units match before ordering.