# Shadow Length Calculator & 3D Animation | SunCast

Calculate shadow length and direction from object height, location, date and time. Explore a free animated 3D scene with a sun path and time slider.

Canonical HTML: https://suncastapp.com/tools/shadow-length
Last updated: 2026-09-21

## Direct Answer

The SunCast shadow length calculator shows the length and direction of a vertical object’s shadow on level ground. Set a location, date, local time and height, then explore the animated 3D scene. It uses solar geometry, not a weather forecast or a survey of surrounding buildings.

## Key Facts
- Shadow length = object height divided by the tangent of the sun elevation. At 45 degrees, shadow length equals height.
- Shadow direction is opposite the sun: solar azimuth plus 180 degrees, measured clockwise from true north.
- The 3D scene projects the chosen pillar or block onto level ground. The dimension runs from its base centre to the projection of its top centre; the shaded footprint includes its width.
- Choose metres or feet, rotate the view or play the day. All times follow the selected location’s time zone.
- At or below the horizon there is no direct sunlight shadow. Shadows extend across the ground beyond the sun-path ring; zoom out to see more of a long shadow.
- The scene assumes a vertical object and unobstructed sun; it does not model clouds, sloping ground or surrounding buildings.
- Copy link saves location, date, local time, height, units, object shape and camera settings. Animation never starts automatically from a shared link.

## Common Uses
- Explore how object height and time of day change a shadow.
- Estimate shadow distance for preliminary garden or outdoor photography planning.
- Compare dates to understand seasonal changes in shadow length and direction.

## FAQ

### Can I use this for a tree or building?

Use the height to estimate the shadow distance of a vertical object. The scene shows a simple pillar or block; it does not model branches, roofs, nearby buildings or terrain. The measurement runs from the base centre to the ground projection of the top centre.

### Why is the shadow so long near sunrise and sunset?

The sun’s elevation approaches zero, so height divided by its tangent grows very large. Shadows extend beyond the sun-path ring. Zoom out to see more of a long shadow; the readout gives the full distance. At or below the horizon, there is no direct sunlight shadow in this model.

### Which time zone does the calculator use?

The date and time are local to the selected location, including daylight-saving time. Changing location keeps the selected clock time. Now selects the current date and time there.

### Does the scene account for clouds or sloping ground?

No. It assumes a vertical object, horizontal ground and an unobstructed sun. Clouds can soften or remove a visible shadow, and slopes or surrounding objects can change where it falls.