Science
Snell refraction angle
Calculate the transmitted-ray angle at an interface between two optical media.
Calculators / Science / Brewster angle
Brewster angle calculator
Estimate the incidence angle at which p-polarized reflection vanishes at a dielectric boundary.
On this page
Brewster angle56.31degrees
Refracted angle at Brewster incidence33.69degrees
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Estimate the incidence angle at which p-polarized reflection vanishes at a dielectric boundary.
Brewster angle =
atan(n2/n1)*180/pi degreesRefracted angle at Brewster incidence =
90-atan(n2/n1)*180/pi degreesWorked example
- Incident-medium refractive index: 1
- Transmitted-medium refractive index: 1.5
- Brewster angle: 56.31 degrees
- Refracted angle at Brewster incidence: 33.69 degrees
Assumptions and limits
This is an ideal educational model. Enter quantities in the stated SI units; it does not certify equipment safety or real operating limits. Uses transparent, isotropic, nonmagnetic dielectric media; absorbing surfaces and metals require different optical models.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Estimate the incidence angle at which p-polarized reflection vanishes at a dielectric boundary. Angles are measured from the interface normal. The incidence and refraction angles sum to 90 degrees.
When this tool is useful
Angles are measured from the interface normal. The incidence and refraction angles sum to 90 degrees.
Understanding your inputs
| Input | Example |
|---|---|
Incident-medium refractive index n1 | 1 |
Transmitted-medium refractive index n2 | 1.5 |
Frequently asked questions
Which assumptions matter for this result?
This is an ideal educational model. Enter quantities in the stated SI units; it does not certify equipment safety or real operating limits. Uses transparent, isotropic, nonmagnetic dielectric media; absorbing surfaces and metals require different optical models.
How can I check the worked example?
Use the displayed example inputs in the stated formula. Keep each quantity in its labelled unit and compare the unrounded result before applying display rounding.