Solar Position and Shadow Tool
Sun Angle Calculator
Calculate sun angle by location, date, and time. Get solar elevation, azimuth, zenith angle, direction, shadow length, sunrise, and sunset in one lightweight tool.
Solar Elevation, Azimuth, Zenith, and Shadow Length
Calculate Sun Angle by Location and Time
Enter coordinates, date, time, and time zone to estimate where the sun is in the sky and how long a simple vertical shadow will be.
How the Sun Angle Calculator Works
The calculator estimates the sun position from latitude, longitude, date, local time, and UTC offset. It returns solar elevation, solar azimuth, zenith angle, and an approximate vertical shadow length.
Sun Angle Formula
Sun angle calculations use solar declination, equation of time, latitude, longitude, and hour angle. Solar elevation measures height above the horizon; azimuth measures compass direction.
Solar Elevation vs Azimuth vs Zenith
How to Use Sun Angle for Real Tasks
Solar Panels
Check when the sun is high and where it sits in the sky before thinking about panel direction or shading.
Windows and Shade
Estimate whether sunlight will enter a room, hit a wall, or create a long outdoor shadow.
Photography
Use elevation and azimuth to plan side light, backlight, golden hour framing, and outdoor scene direction.
Garden and Yard Planning
Compare morning and afternoon sun direction for planting beds, patios, and shaded areas.
Sun Angle by Time of Day
Sun angle changes through the day as the hour angle changes. It is usually low near sunrise and sunset, highest near solar noon, and shifted by season, latitude, longitude, and time zone. The sun does not rise exactly east or set exactly west on most days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Calculate Sun Angle?+
Sun angle is calculated from latitude, longitude, date, time, time zone, solar declination, and hour angle. The result includes elevation and azimuth.
What Is Solar Elevation Angle?+
Solar elevation angle is the height of the sun above the horizon. Low values mean the sun is near the horizon; 90 degrees means overhead.
What Is Solar Azimuth?+
Solar azimuth is the compass direction of the sun, measured clockwise from north. It tells whether the sun is east, south, west, or between directions.
What Time Is the Sun at a 30 Degree Angle?+
The time depends on your location, date, and time zone. Change the time in the calculator until solar elevation is close to 30 degrees.