MRAD

MRAD (also written as MIL or Milliradian) is an angular unit used in riflescopes to measure and adjust point of aim. One milliradian (MRAD) represents an angle that corresponds to a 10-centimeter shift at 100 meters. Thanks to this simple and intuitive proportion, MRAD is very popular in military and tactical optics. MRAD is a metric-based system, meaning it is used together with metric distances (meters, centimeters). NATO forces, police snipers, and sport shooters rely on it because it allows for fast calculations in the field.

What does MIL mean on riflescopes?

MIL is simply shorthand for a milliradian. Some manufacturers prefer to label their optics “MIL” instead of “MRAD.” Both terms describe the exact same unit.

1 MIL = 1 MRAD = a 10 cm shift at 100 m.

What does 0.1 MIL (or 1/10 MIL) mean?

The value 0.1 MIL (sometimes written as 1/10 MIL) indicates how far the point of aim shifts with one click of the elevation or windage turret.

0.1 MIL at 100 m = 1 cm shift
0.1 MIL at 50 m = 0.5 cm shift
0.1 MIL at 10 m = 1 mm shift

This system is popular because it is highly precise, easy to calculate, and extremely fast to use under real conditions.

Advantages of the MRAD/MIL system

Easy metric conversion – 0.1 MIL = 1 cm at 100 m.
Fast corrections in the field, ideal for tactical shooters.
NATO compatibility – most modern armies use MRAD.
Higher practical precision at long distances than MOA for tactical applications.

MRAD vs. MOA – summary

MRAD/MIL – metric system, 0.1 MIL = 1 cm/100 m.
MOA – imperial system (1 MOA ≈ 2.91 cm/100 m), popular among U.S. sport shooters.

MRAD in airsoft

In airsoft, MRAD is used on higher-quality riflescopes, especially those from Vector Optics and VictOptics. It allows players to easily correct BB drop (the ballistic curve) at different distances. MRAD is practical for airsoft because it operates with small, easy-to-manage values – perfect for short-range adjustments.

When combined with a properly tuned hop-up, MRAD enables very precise fine-tuning of your shots, which is especially useful for DMR and sniper airsoft rifles.