How to Measure Distance on Google Maps: A Step-by-Step Guide

Google Maps is an incredibly useful tool for navigating the world, planning trips, and even measuring distances. Whether you’re calculating the distance for a run, planning a road trip, or just curious about how far one location is from another, Google Maps makes it easy. This guide will walk you through the process of measuring distances on both the desktop and mobile versions of Google Maps in a simple and relatable way.

Why Measure Distance on Google Maps?

There are many reasons you might want to measure distance on Google Maps:

• Planning a trip: Estimate how far your destination is from your starting point.
• Exercise tracking: Calculate the length of your walking, running, or cycling route.
• Property measurement: If you’re curious about the size of a plot of land, you can measure its area.
• General curiosity: Simply wondering how far apart two locations are.

Google Maps offers two main types of distance measurement:

1. Straight-line distance (as the crow flies): This is the direct distance between two points.
2. Route distance: This is the distance based on the actual path you would take, such as driving, walking, or biking along roads or trails.

Let’s see how to use Google Maps to measure distances in both ways.

How to Measure Straight-Line Distance on Google Maps (Desktop)

The desktop version of Google Maps allows you to measure the straight-line distance between two or more points, giving you the direct distance regardless of roads or obstacles.

Step 1: Open Google Maps

Go to Google Maps on your desktop web browser.

Step 2: Select a Starting Point

1. Right-click on the starting location on the map.
2. From the dropdown menu, click “Measure distance.”

A small white circle will appear, marking your starting point.

Step 3: Add the End Point

1. Left-click on the location where you want to measure the distance to.
2. A line will appear between the two points, showing the distance in a small box at the bottom of the screen.

Step 4: Measure Multiple Points (Optional)

If you want to measure a distance with multiple stops, simply continue clicking on additional points. Google Maps will add the distances together and show the total distance at the bottom.

Step 5: Clear the Measurement

To reset or clear the measurement, just right-click anywhere on the map and select “Clear measurement.”

Read More: Complete Guide to How Often Google Maps Updates: Frequency, Statistics, and Processes

How to Measure Distance on Google Maps (Mobile)

You can also measure distances on the Google Maps mobile app, which is available for both Android and iOS.

Step 1: Open the Google Maps App

Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone.

Step 2: Drop a Pin

1. Find your starting location by either searching for it or scrolling on the map.
2. Tap and hold the map at your desired starting location until a red pin appears.

Step 3: Start Measuring

1. Once the red pin appears, at the bottom of the screen, tap the location name or address.
2. Scroll down and select “Measure distance.”

A line will appear on the map, just like in the desktop version.

Step 4: Add the End Point

1. Move the map so the crosshairs hover over the second point (your destination).
2. Tap the blue “Add point” button to place your next point.

The distance will automatically update at the bottom of the screen.

Step 5: Add More Points (Optional)

To measure a more complex route or multiple distances, keep adding points by moving the map and tapping “Add point.”

Step 6: Clear the Measurement

To start over or clear your measurement, tap the back arrow at the top left of the screen.

Read More: How To Drop A Pin In Google Maps : Android, iOS & Desktop

How to Measure Route Distance on Google Maps

If you’re more interested in measuring the distance of a route you plan to take—whether by car, bike, or foot—Google Maps provides this feature with directions.

Step 1: Open Google Maps

Open Google Maps on your desktop or mobile device.

Step 2: Input Your Starting and Ending Locations

1. Enter your starting location in the search bar.
2. Click the “Directions” button.
3. Enter your destination in the “Choose destination” box.

Step 3: Select Your Mode of Transportation

1. Choose whether you’re traveling by car, foot, bike, or public transportation by selecting the corresponding icon.
2. Google Maps will calculate the route based on your selected mode of transportation and show you the total distance and estimated travel time.

Step 4: Explore Alternative Routes (Optional)

Google Maps may show you multiple routes. You can compare the distances by selecting different routes to see which is shorter or faster.

Tips for Measuring Distances on Google Maps

• Zoom in for accuracy: If you’re measuring smaller distances or want pinpoint accuracy, zoom in on the map to ensure you’re selecting the exact locations.
• Switch between miles and kilometers: Google Maps typically defaults to showing distances in miles or kilometers based on your region. To change the units, go to Google Maps settings and switch between imperial (miles) and metric (kilometers).
• Measure area: In the desktop version, you can measure the perimeter and area of a space (like a park or field) by clicking multiple points to enclose the shape.

Read More: A Complete Guide to Google Maps Marketing

Common Uses for Google Maps Distance Measurement

• Runners and cyclists often use Google Maps to measure the length of their routes before heading out.
• Real estate professionals can measure property sizes or distances to nearby amenities.
• Hikers and travelers use the tool to estimate the distance of trails or roads before starting their trips.
• Homebuyers may want to measure the distance from a potential home to schools, stores, or workplaces.

Conclusion

Measuring distances on Google Maps is a simple yet powerful feature that can help you plan trips, estimate travel times, and even track exercise routes. Whether you’re measuring a straight line between two points or the actual route you’ll take, Google Maps makes it easy and accessible for everyone.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to quickly and accurately measure distances on both desktop and mobile versions of Google Maps.