MOA crops up everywhere in optics — “2 MOA dot”, “1 MOA clicks”, “sub-MOA accuracy”. It sounds technical, but it's simple once explained. Here's what MOA means and why it matters when choosing and zeroing an optic.
What is MOA?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle — an angular measurement equal to 1/60th of a degree. The handy part: 1 MOA equals roughly 1 inch at 100 yards. Because it's an angle, it scales with distance: about 1 inch at 100 yards, 2 inches at 200 yards, and half an inch at 50 yards.
MOA and dot size
A red dot's size is given in MOA — it describes how much of the target the dot covers. A 2 MOA dot covers about 2 inches at 100 yards: small and precise. A 6 MOA dot covers about 6 inches: bigger and faster to find, but less precise at distance. Carry shooters often prefer a larger dot for speed; precision shooters prefer smaller.
MOA and adjustments
Turret and click values are given in MOA too. 1 MOA per click moves your point of impact about 1 inch at 100 yards (so about 1/4 inch at 25 yards). Many optics use 1 MOA clicks; some use 1/2 MOA for finer adjustment. Knowing this lets you calculate exactly how many clicks to move your group when zeroing — see our mounting and zeroing guide.
Quick reference
- 1 MOA ≈ 1 inch at 100 yards
- 1 MOA ≈ 0.25 inch at 25 yards
- 2 MOA dot ≈ 2 inch coverage at 100 yards
- 6 MOA dot ≈ 6 inch coverage at 100 yards
For dot coverage and click values across every range in one place, see our MOA at distance chart.
MOA vs MRAD
MRAD (milliradian) is the metric-friendly alternative, where 1 MRAD is about 3.6 inches at 100 yards (or 10cm at 100m). Both are just units — pick whichever your reticle and turrets use and stay consistent.
Choosing dot size by use
- 2 MOA: precise, a good all-rounder, better at distance.
- 3–4 MOA: balanced speed and precision.
- 6+ MOA: fastest pickup for close range and carry.
Browse red dot sights, pistol dot sights and rifle scopes by reticle and dot size, or read our best pistol red dots guide.
Frequently asked questions
What does MOA mean on a red dot?
It's the size of the dot in angular terms — a 2 MOA dot covers about 2 inches at 100 yards. Smaller is more precise; larger is faster to acquire.
Is a 2 MOA or 6 MOA dot better?
2 MOA is more precise at distance; 6 MOA is faster up close. Choose based on your typical range — many carry shooters prefer 6 MOA.
How much is 1 MOA at 100 yards?
Approximately 1 inch. It scales with distance — about 2 inches at 200 yards and 1/4 inch at 25 yards.