Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Shell | Caliber | Pen @ 100 m | Armor | Angle | Distance | Indicative Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat frontal shot | AP | 122 mm | 246 mm | 200 mm | 10° | 100 m | Very favorable |
| Angled heavy armor | APCR | 105 mm | 268 mm | 230 mm | 55° | 200 m | Borderline |
| Thin plate overmatch | AP | 152 mm | 290 mm | 45 mm | 72° | 150 m | Ricochet removed |
| Screened target | HEAT | 120 mm | 340 mm | 220 mm + 30 mm | 60° | 100 m | Screen matters heavily |
Formula Used
1. Mean Penetration = Penetration at 100 m − Distance Loss
2. Low Penetration = Mean Penetration × (1 − RNG%)
3. High Penetration = Mean Penetration × (1 + RNG%)
4. Adjusted Angle = Impact Angle − Applied Normalization
5. Effective Armor = Armor Thickness ÷ cos(Adjusted Angle)
6. Total Effective Armor = Effective Main Armor + Effective Spaced Armor
7. Overmatch Ratio = Shell Caliber ÷ Main Armor Thickness
8. Estimated Chance uses the overlap between total effective armor and the low to high penetration band.
This model is designed for practical shot analysis. It helps compare armor angle, shell type, caliber rules, and distance in one view.
How to Use This Calculator
Choose the shell type first. Then enter caliber, nominal penetration, target distance, and any penetration loss you want to model.
Enter the target's main armor thickness, optional spaced armor, and the impact angle measured from the armor normal.
Use the normalization override only when you want to test a custom assumption. Leave it at zero to use the shell default.
Submit the form to see the result summary, penetration band, effective armor, chance estimate, notes, and the graph.
Download the result table as CSV or PDF when you want to save a scenario or compare multiple shots offline.
WOT Penetration Analysis Guide
Penetration in WOT is not only about the shell's nominal value. Angle changes the effective armor, and effective armor can rise quickly even when the visible plate looks modest. A shell that looks strong on paper may still fail if the target is sharply angled, screened, or far away. That is why penetration analysis should combine shell data, distance, and armor geometry in one workflow.
This calculator uses a practical maths approach for shot evaluation. It starts with penetration at 100 meters, then adjusts for any distance loss you define. Next it applies shell normalization, which reduces the impact angle for shells that benefit from normalization. After that, it converts nominal armor into effective armor through line-of-sight thickness. The result is a more realistic comparison between armor resistance and the shell's low, mean, and high penetration values.
Advanced users can also inspect caliber rules. When caliber becomes large compared with plate thickness, normalization improves and ricochet behavior can change. This is helpful for roof plates, side armor, and thin upper structures. Spaced armor is included as a separate field so you can test screen effects without building a second calculator. The graph also helps identify the angles where a comfortable shot becomes a risky one.
Use the tool to compare shell choices, evaluate weak spots, and build better engagement decisions. You can save each run as CSV or PDF and keep scenario records for guides, clan notes, or personal reviews.
FAQs
1. What does impact angle mean here?
It is the angle measured from the armor normal. A higher angle increases line-of-sight armor and makes penetration harder.
2. Why does normalization matter?
Normalization reduces the effective impact angle for certain shells. That lowers effective armor and improves penetration prospects.
3. What is the two-caliber rule?
If shell caliber exceeds twice the armor thickness, normalization increases. This can make highly angled thin plates easier to defeat.
4. What is the three-caliber rule?
If shell caliber exceeds three times the armor thickness, ricochet is removed for relevant shell types. Penetration still depends on remaining penetration power.
5. Why include spaced armor?
Spaced armor can absorb part of the penetration budget before the main plate is checked. It often changes borderline outcomes.
6. Is the chance value an exact game probability?
No. It is a practical estimate from the selected penetration band and effective armor. It helps compare scenarios quickly.
7. Why can HEAT feel worse against screens?
HEAT does not benefit from normalization and can suffer badly against spaced elements. The simplified model highlights that risk.
8. Can I use custom normalization values?
Yes. Enter an override value when testing custom assumptions or special cases. Leave it at zero to use the shell default.