How to Measure Height with a Clinometer
Clinometers help people to measure angles and arrive at estimated heights of objects. These instruments are used heavily in the forestry industries where the heights of trees have to be determined. In agriculture, clinometers are used primarily to measure the slope of soils. People also use them when hiking to estimate the heights of hills and mountains. Some clinometers will have a degree scale, visible through the sight on the left side, and a calibrated percent scale on the right side. Others may only have a percent scale.
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Instructions
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Measure the distance from the object whose height is to be determined, to where you will stand while using the clinometer. This is your baseline distance.
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Sight the top, and record the percent reading, then sight the base and record the percent reading. When sighting, keep both eyes open. Look at the scales through the lens with one eye. Use the other eye to look down the side of the sight. You will see a horizontal sighting line. With the sighting line on the top or bottom of the target, read the percentage on the scale.
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Subtract the smaller percentage reading from the larger when the base of the item is above eye level. Then multiply the result by your baseline distance. Example: Your baseline is 20 feet. The top percent reading is 60 percent and bottom reading is 10 percent; subtract 10 from 60 to arrive at 50. Multiply 50 percent times 20 to arrive at 10 feet.
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Add the percentage readings when the base of the item to be measured is below eye level, and then multiply the result by your baseline distance.
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Tips & Warnings
Instead of using a measuring tape every time you want to find your baseline, you can find the length of your stride by measuring from the heel of your rear foot to the toe of your front foot. Then, step out the distance from the item to the place where you will stand. Multiply the number of steps by the length of your stride. Convert from inches to feet if necessary.
