Pythagoras Modes
When to Use Indirect Measurement
Section titled “When to Use Indirect Measurement”Use Pythagoras modes when you cannot measure directly because:
- An obstacle blocks the laser beam
- No reflective target surface is available
- You need to measure heights without access

Important Guidelines
Section titled “Important Guidelines”- Right angles required — The Pythagorean theorem only works with right triangles
- Same starting point — All measurements in a sequence must start from the exact same position
- Legs < Hypotenuse — If legs exceed the hypotenuse, “Err” will display
- Use a tripod — Highly recommended for accurate indirect measurements
Pythagoras 2-Point
Section titled “Pythagoras 2-Point”Calculate a distance using two measurements.
Enter mode: Press Mode 3 times until the 2-point icon appears.
- Measure the first line (hypotenuse) — press A
- Rotate to measure the second line — press A
- The calculated distance appears in the summary line

Indirect Length with Angle
Section titled “Indirect Length with Angle”Get horizontal and vertical distances plus the hypotenuse using the built-in angle sensor.
Enter mode: Press Mode 4 times until the angle icon appears.
The X angle displays in real-time at the top of the screen.
- Aim at the target point
- Press A to measure
The device calculates and displays:
- Hypotenuse (direct line)
- Vertical distance
- Horizontal distance
Pythagoras 3-Point (Mode A)
Section titled “Pythagoras 3-Point (Mode A)”For situations requiring three measurements to calculate the result.
Enter mode: Press Mode 5 times.
- Measure the first line — press A
- Measure the second line — press A
- The calculated distance appears in the summary line

Pythagoras 3-Point (Mode B)
Section titled “Pythagoras 3-Point (Mode B)”Alternative 3-point configuration for different measurement scenarios.
Enter mode: Press Mode 6 times.
- Measure the first line — press A
- Measure the second line — press A
- The calculated distance appears in the summary line
Mode Quick Reference
Section titled “Mode Quick Reference”| Mode | Button Presses | Measurements | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pythagoras 2-point | 3 | 2 | Basic indirect |
| Angle + Distance | 4 | 1 | Heights with angle |
| Pythagoras 3-point A | 5 | 2 | Complex indirect |
| Pythagoras 3-point B | 6 | 2 | Alternative config |
Tips for Accuracy
Section titled “Tips for Accuracy”- Always keep the reference point (back of device) at the exact same position for all measurements in a sequence
- Use a tripod mount for stability
- Verify your right angles are truly 90°
- Take multiple measurements and average them for critical work
- Direct measurement is always preferred when possible