Distance Calculator

What Is a Distance Calculator?

A distance calculator determines how far apart two locations or points are. This calculator uses latitude and longitude coordinates to calculate the approximate straight-line distance between two points on the Earth's surface.

It can be useful for comparing locations, checking approximate geographical distances, planning journeys, working with mapping data, or performing calculations where the distance between two coordinates is required.

Why Use the Distance Calculator?

This free distance calculator provides a quick way to calculate geographical distance without requiring specialist mapping software or manual mathematical calculations.

How to Use the Distance Calculator

Enter the coordinates for the two locations and the calculator will determine the approximate straight-line distance between them.

1. Enter Location 1 — Enter the latitude and longitude of the first point.
2. Enter Location 2 — Enter the latitude and longitude of the second point.
3. Check the coordinates — Make sure each latitude is between -90 and 90 and each longitude is between -180 and 180.
4. Calculate the distance — Select Calculate Distance to display the result in kilometres, miles, metres and feet.

How to Calculate Distance Between Two Points

The distance between two geographical coordinates can be calculated using the Haversine formula. This formula takes the latitude and longitude of each point into account and calculates the approximate great-circle distance between them across the Earth's surface.

Distance calculations based on coordinates are useful when you know the exact geographical positions of two points but do not need a road route. For example, they can be used to estimate the separation between cities, landmarks, GPS coordinates, or other geographical points.

What Is the Haversine Formula?

The Haversine formula calculates the great-circle distance between two points on a sphere from their latitudes and longitudes. It accounts for the curvature of the Earth rather than treating the coordinates as points on a flat surface.

Straight-Line Distance vs Driving Distance

Straight-line distance is the shortest geographical distance between two coordinates, whereas driving distance follows available roads. A driving route can therefore be significantly longer because of road layouts, junctions, geographical obstacles, restricted roads and the selected route.

Distance Calculator Accuracy and Limitations

The result is an approximate great-circle distance based on the latitude and longitude coordinates entered. The accuracy therefore depends on the accuracy of the coordinates. The calculation does not account for roads, traffic, terrain, borders, travel restrictions or the route a vehicle would need to take.

For travel planning, the straight-line result should not be treated as a driving, cycling or walking distance. A route-based mapping service is more appropriate when the actual distance travelled along roads or paths is required.

Frequently Asked Questions