Distance Calculator
Calculate distance between two points
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Distance Calculator compute distance between two points?
The calculator uses the Euclidean distance formula: d = √((x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)²) for 2D points. For 3D points, it extends to d = √((x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)² + (z₂-z₁)²).
Can I calculate distance using latitude and longitude?
Yes. For geographic coordinates, the calculator uses the Haversine formula which accounts for Earth's curvature. This gives accurate great-circle distances between any two points on Earth.
What units are available for distance results?
Results are shown in kilometers, miles, meters, feet, and nautical miles. You can switch between units instantly. The calculator also shows the bearing (compass direction) between the two points.
How accurate is the Haversine formula for Earth distances?
The Haversine formula is accurate to within 0.5% for most distances. It assumes a perfect sphere, while Earth is slightly oblate. For surveying-grade accuracy over long distances, the Vincenty formula (which models Earth as an ellipsoid) is more precise.
What is the difference between Euclidean and Manhattan distance?
Euclidean distance is the straight-line distance between two points. Manhattan distance is the sum of absolute differences along each axis (like walking city blocks). Manhattan distance is always equal to or greater than Euclidean distance.