Please enter valid longitude and latitude values.
Formulas & Mathematical Logic
Original geocentric constants preserved:
Mean planetary base radius R0 = 6370 km.
Geostationary synchronization height h = 35800 km.
delta_lon = receiver longitude - satellite longitude.
Azimuth = atan(tan(delta_lon) / sin(receiver latitude)) + 180.
num = cos(receiver latitude) × cos(delta_lon) - R0 / (R0 + h).
den = sqrt(1 - [cos(receiver latitude) × cos(delta_lon)]²).
Elevation = atan(num / den).
Step-by-Step Example
Example: Receiver longitude = 72.50° E, receiver latitude = 23.00° N, satellite longitude = 83.00° E.
Step 1: delta_lon = 72.50 - 83.00 = -10.50°.
Step 2: Use receiver latitude and delta longitude in the azimuth equation.
Step 3: Use R0, h, receiver latitude and delta longitude in the elevation equation.
Step 4: Point antenna horizontally using azimuth, then tilt upward using elevation.
About This Calculator
Calculate satellite antenna azimuth and elevation look angles.
The CalcBoy Antenna Azimuth and Elevation Calculator estimates dish pointing angles toward a geostationary satellite from receiver longitude, receiver latitude and satellite longitude.
Satellite dish alignment depends on two main angles. Azimuth tells you the horizontal direction to rotate the antenna, measured clockwise from true north. Elevation tells you how far to tilt the dish upward from the local horizon. Together, these look angles help aim a dish, VSAT antenna, tracking system or ground station toward a geostationary satellite.
This calculator is useful for satellite TV dish setup, ground station alignment, VSAT installation, RF field work, communication link planning and educational satellite geometry checks. The input convention is simple: east longitude and north latitude are positive, while west longitude and south latitude are negative.
Use the calculated values as a starting alignment reference. Real installation may require correction for magnetic declination, local obstacles, antenna offset angle, mount level error, LNB skew, cable loss and final signal peaking using a meter or receiver signal quality display.
Best UseGeostationary satellite dish look angle estimation.
Supported InputsReceiver longitude, receiver latitude and satellite longitude.
Helpful ForDish alignment, VSAT setup, ground stations and satellite TV installs.
Design ReminderUse true north and verify final signal strength on hardware.
Tip: If compass direction is used, apply local magnetic declination because this calculator gives azimuth relative to true north.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is antenna azimuth?
Azimuth is the horizontal pointing angle measured clockwise from true north toward the satellite direction.
What is antenna elevation?
Elevation is the vertical angle above the horizon used to tilt the dish toward the satellite.
What does positive longitude mean?
Positive longitude means east. Negative longitude means west.
What does positive latitude mean?
Positive latitude means north. Negative latitude means south.
Can this be used for geostationary satellites?
Yes. The calculator is designed for geostationary satellite longitude-based look angle estimation.
Why is my elevation negative?
A negative elevation means the satellite is below the local horizon or not visible from that receiver location.