How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

by on December 10, 2020
in GPS Navigation, News, Computers and Software, Internet & Networking, Travel, Blog, Travel :: 0 comments

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Trying to figure out the “as the crow flies” distance between two points using Google Maps is simple if you know where to look. With a few clicks on your computer or taps on your phone, Google Maps lets you designate two or more points and will calculate the distance for you. 

How to measure distance on Google Maps using your computer

How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

To measure distance using your computer:

  1. Use any browser to go to Google Maps.
  2. Right click on the starting point of your measurement and choose “Measure Distance.”
  3. Right click on the place you want to measure the distance to and choose “Distance to Here.” A hashed line will appear showing you the exact distance between the two points.

You can continue to right click to add as many points to your path as you’d like. Accidentally placed points can be dragged for repositioning, or removed simply by clicking on them.

How to measure distance on Google Maps using your phone

How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

To measure distance using the Google Maps App on your phone: 

  1. Open the Google Maps app (pre-installed on Android phones and available for free from the App Store for iPhones)
  2. Touch and hold on the place on the map where you want to start your measurement. A red pin will appear.
  3. At the bottom of the screen, you will see the name of the starting place.
  4. Swipe up on the card that shows the name of the starting place and scroll down to select "Measure Distance."
  5. Move the map so that the black circle (or crosshairs) is on the place you want to measure distance to. At the bottom of the screen you will see the exact distance between the two points. 

You can continue to add points by selecting "Add point" and moving the map to the next location. If you make a mistake, you can clear the last point by selecting the undo arrow at the top. Each time you add a point, you'll see the total distance.

Want to check out some more neat Google Maps features? Find out how to can check current and future traffic, create offline maps, see inside buildings and much more in our story 16 Surprising Things You Can Do with Google Maps.

Updated on 12/10/2020

[Image credit: screenshots via Techlicious]


Straight line distance: 0.0 miles , 0.0 kilometers (km) , 0 feet , 0 meters

Driving distance: 0.0 miles , 0.0 kilometers (km) , 0 feet , 0 meters

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Enter a city, a zipcode, or an address in both the Distance From and the Distance To address inputs. Click Calculate Distance, and the tool will place a marker at each of the two addresses on the map along with a line between them. The distance between them will appear just above the map in both miles and kilometers. The tool is useful for estimating the mileage of a flight, drive, or walk. Can easily determine the distance between 2 cities as well.

Other tools to help with distance questions

In addition to this tool we also offer a couple other tools that can help find the distance on a map. You can use the mileage calculator to compare the difference between driving or flying between 2 cities. If on the other hand you want to click multiple points on the map in order to find the distance of the entire line you can do that with the distance calculator. We are always trying to find better ways to provide you with the information you need. If you have a suggestion please let us know.

    How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

    If you want to find the total length of a route in Google Maps, you can use the distance measuring feature. Here’s how.

    Few apps have the global coverage and usage that Google Maps does. For millions of users, it helps get us back home, to our workplaces, and to new and exciting destinations.

    If you’re thinking about travelling somewhere new, but you’re unsure about the length of the journey, you can use Google Maps to measure the distance between two or more locations. This feature works for simple and complex routes alike.

    If you want to know how to measure distance between locations in Google Maps, here’s what you’ll need to do.

    Measuing the Distance Between Two Points in Google Maps

    Measuring the straight line distance between two points in Google Maps is simple to do if you’re using a PC or Mac.

    To do this, open Google Maps in your chosen web browser. Using the search bar or map viewfinder, navigate to the point you wish to start measuring from.

    Right-click on your chosen starting spot, then click the Measure distance option.

    How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

    Move the map viewfinder to the location you want to measure the distance to, then click on that location.

    How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

    A line will appear between your two points, with a box at the bottom of the screen telling you the distance between them.

    Measuring the Distance Between Multiple Points

    While the method above works well if you’re only measuring between two points, you may wish to add additional locations along the way.

    If you’re trying to measure the distance between multiple points, then you’ll need to use a slightly different method to find the total distance of your route.

    To do this, head to your starting point using the search bar or map viewfinder. Right-click the location, then click the Measure distance option.

    How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

    You’ll then need to click on the next part of your route.

    How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

    With your second point added, move your viewfinder to the next location, then click again.

    How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

    Repeat this process until you’ve completly mapped out your entire route.

    If you’re following roads or other landmarks, you’ll need to make sure your points follow your likely path (following roads or sidewalks, for instance) to ensure an accurate reading.

    How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

    Once completed, you’ll see the total distance of your route at the bottom of the screen.

    Measuring Distance in Google Maps on Mobile Devices

    If you want to measure distances in Google Maps on smartphones, you can use the Google Maps app to do so. This method should work for both iPhone and Android devices.

    To start, open the Google Maps app and navigate to your starting point. Once you’ve reached it, tap and hold the location you want to start measuring from. This will drop a pin in that location.

    How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

    Swipe up to expand the Dropped pin menu, then tap the Measure Distance option.

    How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

    Drag the map to the location you wish to measure to. The total distance between your starting point and destination will update automatically at the bottom.

    How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

    If you want to add additional points to map out an irregular route, tap the Add point button.

    How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

    When you have completed your route mapping, the total distance will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.

    Using Google Maps Effectively

    There a lot of Google Maps tricks—including distance measuring—that most of us never use or even know about.

    For example, you can use Google Maps voice guidance when you’re out walking. If you’re going somewhere in secret, you can use Google Maps in incognito mode. You can even export your route data to third-party GPS apps.

    How to find distance between 2 locations on google maps

    How do you find the distance between two points on Google Maps iPhone?

    Measure distance between points.
    On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app ..
    Touch and hold anywhere on the map that isn't a place's name or icon. ... .
    Select Measure distance ..
    Move the map so that the black circle is on the next point you want to add..
    At the bottom right, tap Add point ..

    How do u find the distance between two points?

    Distance between two points is the length of the line segment that connects the two points in a plane. The formula to find the distance between the two points is usually given by d=√((x2 – x1)² + (y2 – y1)²). This formula is used to find the distance between any two points on a coordinate plane or x-y plane.

    Can Google Earth calculate distance between two points?

    You can measure distances between locations and along paths. You can also measure the size of polygons that you draw in Google Earth. Measurements of distances may not be 100% accurate, especially in areas with 3D terrain and buildings.