In contrast to preceding methods valid only for noninteracting many‐particle assemblies, we describe a theory applicable to two‐dimensional recording media, which includes interactions between particles through a mean‐field model. Expressions are obtained for the angular dependence of magnetic remanences parallel and perpendicular to the applied field. We define a quantity independent of interaction, theremanentmagnetizationdirection, which provides a realistic distribution of easy axes. From this distribution, plus saturation squareness measurements, the interaction strength may be estimated. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.