Prayer Time Calculator
Use our free Prayer time Calculator for quick, accurate results. Get personalized estimates with clear explanations.
Formula
T = 12 + TZ − Lng/15 − EqT ± (1/15) × arccos((sin(angle) − sin(lat)×sin(decl)) / (cos(lat)×cos(decl)))
Prayer times are calculated using the sun's position. First compute solar declination and equation of time for the given date. Then for each prayer, solve for the hour angle when the sun reaches the required altitude angle. Fajr and Isha use angles below the horizon (varying by method), Dhuhr is at solar noon, Asr uses shadow length ratios, and Maghrib is at sunset.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Prayer Times in Mecca
Problem: Calculate prayer times for Mecca (21.4225°N, 39.8262°E) on March 21, 2026 using the MWL method.
Solution: Using solar position calculations:\nDeclination and equation of time computed for the date\nEach prayer time derived from specific sun angle\nFajr: sun at -18° | Dhuhr: solar noon | Asr: shadow ratio\nMaghrib: sunset | Isha: sun at -17°
Result: Fajr: 5:07 AM | Dhuhr: 12:22 PM | Asr: 3:42 PM | Maghrib: 6:31 PM | Isha: 7:49 PM
Example 2: Prayer Times in Kabul
Problem: Calculate prayer times for Kabul (34.5553°N, 69.2075°E) using the Karachi method.
Solution: Higher latitude shifts Fajr earlier and Isha later\nKarachi method uses 18° for both Fajr and Isha\nLongitude affects local solar noon time\nAll times adjusted for timezone offset
Result: Fajr: 4:52 AM | Dhuhr: 12:07 PM | Asr: 3:28 PM | Maghrib: 6:12 PM | Isha: 7:38 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Islamic prayer times calculated?
Islamic prayer times are determined by the position of the sun relative to the observer's location on Earth. Fajr begins at dawn when the sky starts to lighten (sun is a specific number of degrees below the horizon, typically 15-19 degrees depending on the calculation method). Sunrise is when the upper edge of the sun appears above the horizon. Dhuhr starts just after the sun passes its zenith (highest point). Asr begins when an object's shadow reaches a specific length relative to the object's height. Maghrib starts immediately after sunset, and Isha begins when the twilight disappears. These calculations require the observer's latitude, longitude, date, and the chosen calculation convention.
What are the different prayer time calculation methods?
Several organizations have established different conventions for calculating Fajr and Isha times based on the sun's angle below the horizon. The Muslim World League (MWL) uses 18 degrees for Fajr and 17 for Isha. The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) uses 15 degrees for both. The Egyptian General Authority uses 19.5 for Fajr and 17.5 for Isha. Umm al-Qura (used in Saudi Arabia) uses 18.5 for Fajr and a fixed 90 minutes after Maghrib for Isha. The University of Islamic Sciences in Karachi uses 18 degrees for both Fajr and Isha. The choice of method can result in differences of 15-30 minutes for Fajr and Isha times.
Why do prayer times change daily and by location?
Prayer times change daily because the Earth's axis is tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the sun. This tilt causes the sun's apparent path across the sky to shift throughout the year, resulting in varying sunrise and sunset times. The effect is more pronounced at higher latitudes, where summer days can be extremely long and winter days very short. Location affects prayer times because the sun reaches its zenith at different clock times depending on longitude, and the sun's arc varies with latitude. Near the equator, prayer times remain relatively stable year-round, while near the poles they can vary dramatically between seasons.
Can I use Prayer Time Calculator on a mobile device?
Yes. All calculators on NovaCalculator are fully responsive and work on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. The layout adapts automatically to your screen size.
Is Prayer Time Calculator free to use?
Yes, completely free with no sign-up required. All calculators on NovaCalculator are free to use without registration, subscription, or payment.
Is my data stored or sent to a server?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data you enter is ever transmitted to any server or stored anywhere. Your inputs remain completely private.