Convert Compass Points to NATO Angular Mils
Convert Compass Points (pt) to NATO Angular Mils (mil (NATO)) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
mil (NATO) = pt × 200
About Compass Points
A compass point equals 1/32 of a full circle - π/16 rad ≈ 0.19635 rad (= 11.25°). Traditional maritime compasses divide the horizon into 32 named points from North clockwise back to North, each further divided into quarter-points (2.8125°). This 32-point rose was the standard for European seafaring from the 14th to 19th centuries. Modern navigation uses three-digit decimal bearings (000°-359°), but compass roses persist in meteorology and nautical heritage. 1 compass point = 11.25° = 11°15′ = 200 NATO mils.
About NATO Angular Mils
The NATO angular mil equals 1/6,400 of a full circle - π/3,200 rad ≈ 0.9817 mrad. Artillery and mortar crews rely on its practical small-angle equivalence: 1 mil at 1,000 m subtends ~1 m (exact: 0.9817 m), enabling rapid range correction calculations. The 6,400-mil circle divides cleanly: 1,600 mils = 90°, 3,200 mils = 180°. Note: 1 NATO mil ≈ 0.9817 mrad - not the same as a milliradian; the 1.8% difference equals ~18 mm at 1,000 m. 1° ≈ 17.778 NATO mils.
Quick Reference Table
| Compass Points (pt) | NATO Angular Mils (mil (NATO)) |
|---|---|
| 1 pt | 200 mil (NATO) |
| 2 pt | 400 mil (NATO) |
| 5 pt | 1000 mil (NATO) |
| 10 pt | 2000 mil (NATO) |
| 25 pt | 5000 mil (NATO) |
| 50 pt | 10000 mil (NATO) |
| 100 pt | 20000 mil (NATO) |