The component of total magnetic intensity in the direction of the earth’s total field, the quantity measured by the airborne magnetometer, is studied in relation to point‐pole and line‐of‐poles sources. Theoretical profiles are examined for maxima and minima, and it is established that the depth is a linear function of the half‐maximum abscissa. A family of curves is presented by means of which factors can be obtained for use in estimating depths. The well‐known factors used with vertical intensity profiles are included as a special case. An example is given in which the factors are used in analyzing a theoretical anomaly.