Arma Reforger Mortar Calculator and Firing Guide

An Arma Reforger mortar calculator helps estimate the elevation and direction needed to hit a target, but the game does not provide one universal set of inputs that works for every mortar, map, or version. Enter your weapon’s current position, target position, and verified in-game firing data into a compatible tool; treat its result as a starting point and confirm it with the mortar’s sights and observed impacts.

Formula

This basic calculator computes the horizontal distance and compass bearing from a mortar position to a target position. It does not calculate a guaranteed firing elevation or ammunition setting: those depend on the specific weapon, ammunition, game version, and firing conditions, and must come from verified in-game data or a suitable, current tool.

• Distance: d = sqrt((tx − x)² + (ty − y)²). The coordinate differences are in metres, so d is in metres.
• Bearing: b = atan2(tx − x, ty − y) × 180 / π, normalized to 0–360 degrees. The first atan2 argument is the east-west difference; the second is the north-south difference. Bearing is measured clockwise from north.

x and y are the mortar’s east and north coordinates; tx and ty are the target’s east and north coordinates. All four inputs use the same map grid and unit. The example assumes a grid where east and north increase in the stated directions. If your map or tool uses a different axis convention, convert its coordinates before entering them. The bearing is a map bearing, not necessarily the number shown on a weapon’s dial; check the sight’s graduations and reference direction.

Worked Example

Using exactly the calculator defaults: the mortar is at (0, 0) metres and the target is at (1000, 0) metres.

1. East difference: 1000 − 0 = 1000 m. North difference: 0 − 0 = 0 m.
2. Distance: sqrt(1000² + 0²) = 1000 m.
3. Bearing: atan2(1000, 0) = 90 degrees clockwise from north.

The displayed outputs are therefore a horizontal distance of 1000 m and a bearing of 90.0°. This example checks the coordinate geometry only; it does not state what elevation or ammunition setting will reach the target.

What the Calculator Can and Cannot Tell You

Searches for an “Arma Reforger mortar calculator” may lead to community-made tools, range tables, or instructions for particular weapons. Their results are only as reliable as their assumptions. A calculator that converts range into an elevation setting needs a firing table or a model calibrated to the exact weapon and ammunition in the relevant game build. A distance-and-bearing calculator, like the one above, needs only positions and makes no claim about projectile behavior.

In particular, do not assume that a real-world mortar table, another game’s data, or a table for a different Reforger weapon applies. A game may model projectile behavior differently, and updates can change weapon behavior or controls. Check the tool’s stated weapon, ammunition, units, map grid, and version against the game you are playing. If those details are missing, regard its firing recommendation as unverified.

How to Use the Coordinates

Get the mortar and target positions from the same map reference. Depending on the tools available in your session, that may mean reading map-grid coordinates or using a permitted team reference. A grid reference can be approximate: a small coordinate error changes the calculated direction and range, and may be significant when the target area is small.

1. Record the mortar’s position and the intended target point, not merely the general area.
2. Make sure both positions use the same coordinate format, map, scale, and units.
3. Enter east and north values in their matching fields. Do not swap axes or enter a grid label as though it were a distance.
4. Use the calculated bearing and distance as map information. Set the weapon using its own controls and the applicable in-game firing information.
5. Observe where rounds land, communicate corrections, and update the target position or firing data as needed.

The output is a straight-line horizontal distance. It does not account for terrain height, obstructions, target movement, projectile flight time, or a weapon’s minimum and maximum range. A target at the calculated distance may still be impossible to engage from a particular position.

Common Errors and Limits

• Mixing coordinate systems: A map-grid coordinate is not automatically metres from the map origin. Use actual numeric positions or a tool that explicitly accepts that grid format.
• Swapping east and north: This can produce a plausible but incorrect bearing. The formula assumes x is east and y is north.
• Confusing bearing conventions: This result starts at north and increases clockwise. A screen, compass, or sight may use a different zero point or direction.
• Expecting a firing solution: Range and bearing do not supply a weapon-specific elevation, charge, or ammunition setting.
• Rounding too early: Keep coordinate differences as precise as the map allows, then round the final display. Rounded input coordinates cannot yield more accurate results than the original references.

This geometry assumes a flat, consistent map coordinate plane. It is useful for orientation and rough range estimation, not a promise of impact. If the target or mortar is elevated, a more complete firing solution would need elevation and weapon-specific ballistic data as well as horizontal range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arma Reforger have a built-in mortar calculator?
The game’s controls and available information can vary by weapon and version; do not assume there is a universal built-in calculator. This page provides coordinate geometry, while weapon-specific firing data must be checked in the current game or a compatible, documented tool.

What coordinates should I enter?
Enter numeric east and north positions for both mortar and target, in the same coordinate system and units. If you only have a map-grid reference, use a tool or conversion method that supports that grid rather than treating the grid label as metres.

Does the result give the mortar elevation setting?
No. It returns horizontal distance and bearing only. Elevation and other firing settings require verified data for the particular mortar, ammunition, and game version.

Why is my calculated bearing different from the sight?
The sight may use a different zero, direction of rotation, or graduation system, and coordinate axes may have been entered in the wrong order. Check the map’s north direction and the sight’s reference before translating the result.

Can I use a real-world mortar range table?
Not safely as an assumed match. A real-world table may not reflect the game’s weapon model, and a table from another weapon or build may use different assumptions. Use only data that clearly matches the in-game equipment and version.

Why can rounds miss even when the coordinates are right?
Coordinates can be approximate, the target may move, and map distance does not account for terrain height or weapon-specific projectile behavior. Use impact observation and communication to correct fire rather than treating a calculation as exact.

Related

• 5 Gallon Deck Stain Calculator: Coverage and Coats
• 4:12 Roof Pitch Calculator: Rise, Run and Rafter Length
• 3/4 Inch Crushed Stone Calculator and Coverage Formula

in x | Mortar east coordinate | m | 0 | 0
in y | Mortar north coordinate | m | 0 | 0
in tx | Target east coordinate | m | 1000 | 0
in ty | Target north coordinate | m | 0 | 0
out range | Horizontal distance | m | sqrt((tx - x)^2 + (ty - y)^2) | 0
out bearing | Bearing clockwise from north | deg | (atan2(tx - x, ty - y) * 180 / pi + 360) - floor((atan2(tx - x, ty - y) * 180 / pi + 360) / 360) * 360 | 1