How to Tell How Long Until Sunset – Using Just Your Hands

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When you’re out walking in the great outdoors, there’s a simple pleasure in leaving your phone in your backpack and letting nature guide you. But as the afternoon stretches on and the sun begins to dip lower in the sky, it’s only natural to wonder—how much daylight do I have left? For those who enjoy hikes, rambles, or countryside strolls, knowing how to estimate the time until sunset is a handy skill. And best of all, you can do it without a watch or smartphone—just by using your hands.

This age-old technique is surprisingly accurate for a quick estimate, and once you’ve tried it a couple of times, you’ll find it becomes second nature. Here’s how it works.

A Simple Trick for Estimating Time Until Sunset

1. Face the sun and hold your hands out in front of you

Stand so you are facing the setting sun. Stretch out one arm in front of you and hold your hand flat with your palm facing you. Your fingers should be horizontal and your thumb tucked in, so you’re effectively looking at the edge of your hand.

2. Line up your little finger with the horizon

Position the bottom edge of your little finger so it sits just on the horizon. You are now going to count how many finger-widths fit between the horizon and the bottom edge of the sun. You’ll need to stack your hands if the gap is more than one hand high—use both hands if necessary, one on top of the other.

Be sure to ignore your thumbs—they aren’t part of the measuring process.

3. Count the fingers between the horizon and the sun

For each finger-width between the horizon and the bottom of the sun, count 15 minutes. So, if there are four finger-widths, that’s roughly one hour until sunset. Three fingers mean 45 minutes. And if you can only fit one finger between the horizon and the sun, you’ve got just 15 minutes left before the sun goes down.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t an exact science—but it’s usually accurate within about 5–10 minutes, which is more than enough when you’re planning how much longer to stay out.

Why This Works

This method works because the sun appears to move across the sky at a predictable rate—approximately 15 degrees every hour. The width of a single finger at arm’s length covers about one degree of the sky. So when you hold your hand out and count the finger-widths to the sun, you’re effectively dividing the arc of the sky into 15-minute chunks.

The closer the sun is to the horizon, the more important this technique becomes. Twilight can seem to come on fast, especially in winter, and this quick calculation helps ensure you’re not caught out.

When to Use This Method

This hand-measuring trick is perfect for walkers, hikers, campers, and anyone enjoying time outdoors away from the usual comforts of modern tech. Here are a few situations where it comes in especially handy:

• Late afternoon hikes: If you’re unsure how far to go or whether to head back, a quick hand-check can guide your decision.
• Photography outings: Knowing when golden hour is coming to a close can help you plan that perfect shot.
• Wild camping or bivvying: Estimating daylight helps with setting up camp while it’s still light.
• Backpacking without electronics: Perfect for those walking off-grid or conserving phone battery.

A Fun Skill with Practical Value

Not only is this method useful, but it’s also a fun party trick to teach others. Kids love it, and it’s a great way to bring a little bit of bushcraft into your walks. It also encourages greater awareness of your environment—something we can all appreciate in the digital age.

Of course, if the weather is cloudy or the horizon is obscured, this method won’t work as well. And if you’re in mountainous terrain, remember that sunset may arrive sooner depending on what’s between you and the horizon. But in open countryside or coastal areas, it’s remarkably effective.

Conclusion: Trust Your Hands, Not Just Your Watch

In a world dominated by apps and alerts, it’s satisfying to rely on something as simple and dependable as your own hand. This age-old trick has likely been used by walkers, shepherds, farmers, and explorers for generations—and now it’s yours too.

So next time you’re out and wondering if there’s time for that final loop, or if you should start heading home, just look west, lift your hand, and count the fingers. You’ll know in seconds how much daylight you have left—and that’s knowledge that could make your walk safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.