Disclosed embodiments include well ranging apparatus, systems, and methods which operate to receive normal components of electromagnetic field strength azimuthal measurements within a first well at different tool azimuth angles in the first well. Further activities include determining an approximate range from the sensors to a second well that serves as a source of an electromagnetic field, via direct transmission or backscatter transmission, using the normal components of the electromagnetic field strength azimuthal measurements. In some embodiments, the approximate range can be determined without introducing sensor azimuthal separation into range calculations. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.