Practical tools for measured work
Distance calculator
Measure straight-line coordinate distance or approximate great-circle distance from latitude and longitude.
Calculate the layout, check the diagram, then print the result for the shop or jobsite.
How it works
Cartesian distance is √(Δx² + Δy² + Δz²), in the same units as your coordinates. Set both Z values to zero for a plane. The points (0,0,0) and (3,4,12) are 13 units apart. Geographic mode uses the haversine formula on a sphere of radius 6,371,008.8 m.
Current-input example
The result above uses these exact values. This snapshot is included when the page is printed so the output can be checked against the original measurements.
- Distance model
- Cartesian coordinates
- Point 1 X
- 0
- Point 1 Y
- 0
- Point 1 Z
- 0
- Point 2 X
- 3
- Point 2 Y
- 4
- Point 2 Z
- 12
Primary result: Straight-line distance: 13.
Before using the result
- Check the selected mode, units and input values before using the result.
- Read the assumptions and rounding rules; compare the worked example with your intended calculation.
- A numerical result does not supply missing context or change the stated limitations.
Limitations
Geographic results approximate the shortest surface arc, not driving distance. No address lookup, road network or routing is provided. Latitude is −90° to 90°; longitude is −180° to 180°. Elevation and Earth’s ellipsoidal shape are excluded.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between speed and velocity?
Average speed is total path length divided by elapsed time. Average velocity is signed displacement divided by elapsed time. Returning to the starting point gives zero average velocity even after travelling a nonzero distance.
Plan a road trip and total both directions
Enter addresses, places or coordinates. Open each direction in Google Maps to choose a route and read its distance. Nothing is sent to Google until you open a link. Route availability and travel times are supplied by Google Maps.
Copy the two route distances below using the same unit. The return route can differ because of one-way roads and routing choices; it is not assumed to equal the outbound route.
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