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Diffraction grating angle calculator
Find a diffraction maximum angle for light incident normally on a grating.
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Diffraction angle30degrees
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How to calculate
Find a diffraction maximum angle for light incident normally on a grating.
Diffraction angle =
asin(order*lambda/(1000*d))*180/pi degreesWorked example
- Diffraction order: 1
- Wavelength (nm): 500
- Grating spacing (µm): 1
- Diffraction angle: 30 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. Assumes normal incidence and a uniform grating in one medium. A requested order without a real angle is rejected.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Find a diffraction maximum angle for light incident normally on a grating. Spacing is in micrometres and wavelength in nanometres. Zero order lies on the normal.
When this tool is useful
Spacing is in micrometres and wavelength in nanometres. Zero order lies on the normal.
Understanding your inputs
| Input | Example |
|---|---|
Diffraction order order | 1 |
Wavelength (nm) lambda | 500 |
Grating spacing (µm) d | 1 |
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. Assumes normal incidence and a uniform grating in one medium. A requested order without a real angle is rejected.
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.