Distance Calculator

Measure the straight-line distance between any two points on Earth. Click the map or enter coordinates and addresses.

Enter coordinates or an address and press Enter, or click the map.

Enter coordinates or an address and press Enter, or click the map.

Result

Set both points to see the distance.

How the Distance is Calculated

We use the haversine formula to compute the great-circle distance — the shortest path over the Earth's surface.

Haversine Formula

Treats the Earth as a sphere and computes the arc length between two points. Accurate to within about 0.5% for real-world use.

a = sin²(Δφ/2) + cos φ₁ · cos φ₂ · sin²(Δλ/2)

d = 2R · asin(√a)

R = 6,371,008.8 m

Initial Bearing

The compass direction you would face at point A to head directly toward point B along the great circle. It changes as you travel.

y = sin Δλ · cos φ₂

x = cos φ₁ · sin φ₂ − sin φ₁ · cos φ₂ · cos Δλ

θ = atan2(y, x)

Straight Line, Not Driving Distance

This is the geodesic "as the crow flies" distance. Actual road, rail, or sailing routes are longer because they follow terrain and infrastructure.

What is a Distance Calculator Used For?

Great-circle distance shows up anywhere two places on the globe need to be compared.

✈️

Flight Planning

Airlines and pilots use great-circle distance to estimate route lengths, fuel needs, and flight time between airports.

🚢

Marine Navigation

Ships plan passages in nautical miles along great-circle routes, saving fuel on long ocean crossings.

🥾

Hiking and Outdoors

Estimate the straight-line distance to a summit, camp, or waypoint before factoring in trail length and elevation.

📦

Logistics and Coverage

Estimate delivery radii, service coverage areas, and facility placement using point-to-point distance.

Frequently Asked Questions