Put the angle finder against the corner that you want to measure. The most basic angle finders are simply two pieces of plastic joined with a pivot hinge. Once it is in place, you can open or close the pieces until they lie flush with the corner.
Measure the precise angle of the corner. The angle will be displayed at the pivot point. Most construction uses 90-degree angles, but if you are installing molding on a staircase or other unusual corner, the angle could be just about anything.
Divide the angle by two to determine the angle at which you must cut the two pieces of crown molding for a perfect joint. For example, a 90-degree angle requires two 45-degree cuts (45+45=90).