PetroCalcHubFree
Drilling EngineeringDirectional Drilling

Dogleg Angle - Minimum Curvature Method Formula

β=cos1[cosI1cosI2+sinI1sinI2cos(A2A1)]\beta=\cos^{-1}[\cos I_1\cos I_2+\sin I_1\sin I_2\cos(A_2-A_1)]

Dogleg Angle - Minimum Curvature Method calculates dogleg angle for directional drilling workflows in drilling engineering.

Calculate

How engineers use this formula

Use this formula when the listed inputs (I_1, I_2, A_1, A_2) are known and the assumptions behind the cited directional drilling relationship match the engineering case being checked.

Assumptions

  • Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
  • The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
  • The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.

Limitations

  • The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
  • Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
  • Using default example values as field recommendations.
  • Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.

Default example

Using the default inputs, beta_deg equals 12.951651 degree.

I_1degree

15

I_2degree

25

A_1degree

20

A_2degree

45

Inputs

I_1

degree

Upper Survey Inclination

I_2

degree

Lower Survey Inclination

A_1

degree

Upper Survey Azimuth

A_2

degree

Lower Survey Azimuth

Outputs

beta_deg

degree

Dogleg Angle

Source and review

reviewed

Directional drilling minimum-curvature survey calculation method.

Source

Related formulas and calculators

Hydrostatic Pressure from Mud Weight
Well Control
Surface Pressure During Drill Stem Test
Well Control
Specific Gravity to Fluid Weight
Well Control
Kick Analysis - Influx Density
Well Control
Kick Analysis - Formation Pressure With Well Shut-In
Well Control
Kick Analysis - Shut-In Drill Pipe Pressure
Well Control