What does the mil relationship define?

The mil relationship is a crucial concept in marksmanship and ballistics, particularly in relation to range estimation and the use of mil-dot reticles in optics. The correct understanding is that 1 mil corresponds to 1 meter of height or width at a distance of 1000 meters.

This means that if you measure an object in mils through your scope or reticle, you can determine its size based on its distance from you by applying this relationship. For example, if an object appears to be 2 mils high in your scope, you can estimate that it is approximately 2 meters tall when the object is 1000 meters away. This is essential for making accurate shots at long distances where physical measuring is not feasible.

Understanding this relationship helps shooters and snipers calculate lead and elevation adjustments based on distance, improving shot accuracy significantly. The other answers reference different units or distances that do not align with the standard definition of mils used in military and shooting applications, which is why they do not convey the correct relationship.