World of Tanks Spotting Mechanics
A full spotting mechanics information and comprehensive guide is coming soon. This page currently contains basic information.
Spotting Range for Stationary Targets
This formula calculates how far away you can spot a stationary enemy tank. The spotting range decreases based on the target's camouflage value and any foliage (bushes) between you and the target.
Your tank's view range in meters (max effective: 445m)
Enemy tank's camouflage value in percent
Camouflage value from foliage (bushes)
Reduction from Commander's Vision System (1/0.85/0.8)
Spotting Range for Moving Targets
This formula is used when the enemy tank is moving. Moving tanks are generally easier to spot because the CVS equipment provides an additional reduction to moving targets' camouflage.
CVS reduction for moving targets (1/0.9/0.875)
Spotting Range After Firing
When a tank fires its gun, it temporarily loses a significant portion of its camouflage. This formula calculates the spotting range after a tank has fired.
Vehicle camouflage after applying the gun's firing penalty
Note: Each gun has its own camouflage-retention factor. The calculator applies it to the vehicle camouflage before using the spotting formula; it is not applied to foliage outside the 15 m transparency radius.
Foliage within 15 m becomes almost transparent when the vehicle fires. Foliage at least 15 m away keeps its concealment bonus, including combined foliage up to 80%.
Unspotted Kill Range
To kill a target unspotted, your shell needs to reach it faster than its Spotting Rate. This formula estimates the maximum distance at which you can fire at an enemy without being spotted before your shell hits.
The velocity of your tank's shell in m/s
Note: The spotting rate seems to vary between 1/7-1/5 of a second depending on range and shell velocity. The exact calculation is unknown. This formula assumes 1/6 second then subtracts 5m for safety.
Important Variables
Camouflage value of the vehicle in percent
Combined camouflage value of foliage (bushes)
Reduction factor of CVS:
- 1.0: No CVS
- 0.85: With CVS
- 0.8: With CVS in spotting slot
Reduction factor of CVS for moving tanks:
- 1.0: No CVS
- 0.9: With CVS
- 0.875: With CVS in spotting slot
Factor of vehicle camouflage retained after firing. Calculated as (Camo after firing / CamoV)
Bush Mechanics
Bushes provide additional camouflage to tanks hiding behind them. The effectiveness depends on the density and arrangement of the bushes:
A single bush provides 50% camouflage
Two or more bushes in line provide 80% camouflage
Dead trees and grass provide 25% camouflage
No bush coverage provides 0% additional camouflage
Important: Foliage within 15 m becomes almost transparent when firing. Multiple bushes at least 15 m away can still combine for up to 80% camouflage.
Credits
This calculator and information was made possible thanks to the contributions of:
Testing and just being a great help (taught iyouxin about 36% and 42% camo values to stay unspotted)
Further Information about camo after firing
YouTube VideoUnicum WoT Streamer who wanted this
Twitch ChannelFor making the spotting calculator excel document
The gigachad who created this website