Convert Milliradians to Sextants
Convert Milliradians (mrad) to Sextants (sxt) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
sxt = mrad × 0.0009549296586
About Milliradians
A milliradian (mrad) is one thousandth of a radian (10⁻³ rad ≈ 0.05730°). The MIL-dot reticle system in precision rifle scopes uses milliradians for its elegant property: at range R metres, 1 mrad subtends exactly R mm - so at 300 m, 1 mrad = 300 mm; at 1,000 m, 1 mrad = 1,000 mm = 1 m. Semiconductor laser slow-axis divergence is typically 5-15 mrad. Note: 1 mrad ≠ 1 NATO mil (which is π/3,200 rad ≈ 0.9817 mrad). 1 mrad ≈ 0.05730° ≈ 3.438′ ≈ 206.3″.
About Sextants
A sextant, as an angle unit, equals 1/6 of a full circle - π/3 rad = exactly 60°. The marine sextant (invented ~1730s by John Hadley and Thomas Godfrey) measures the altitude between a celestial body and the horizon; its 60° arc gives 120° measurement range via double reflection. The 60° angle is geometrically fundamental: equilateral triangles, regular hexagons, hexagonal crystal structures, and sp²-hybridised carbon (benzene, graphene) all exhibit 60° symmetry. 1 sextant = 60° = π/3 rad = 100 grad.
Quick Reference Table
| Milliradians (mrad) | Sextants (sxt) |
|---|---|
| 1 mrad | 0.00095493 sxt |
| 2 mrad | 0.00190986 sxt |
| 5 mrad | 0.00477465 sxt |
| 10 mrad | 0.0095493 sxt |
| 25 mrad | 0.0238732 sxt |
| 50 mrad | 0.0477465 sxt |
| 100 mrad | 0.095493 sxt |