Distance Calculator
Point A (Starting Location)
Point B (Destination)
Distance Results
All Unit Conversions
Travel Time Estimates
Location Information
Sample Locations
About the Distance Calculator
The Distance Calculator uses the Haversine formula to calculate the great-circle distance between two points on Earth's surface. This tool is essential for navigation, geography, logistics, and travel planning, providing accurate distances between any two geographical coordinates.
Formulas Used
Haversine Formula
Distance calculation:
Where:
- R = Earth's radius (6,371 km)
- φ₁, φ₂ = latitudes in radians
- Δφ = difference in latitudes
- Δλ = difference in longitudes
Bearing Formula
Step-by-step Working
Step 1: Convert to Radians
Convert all latitude and longitude values from degrees to radians by multiplying by π/180.
Step 2: Calculate Differences
Find the difference between latitudes (Δφ) and longitudes (Δλ).
Step 3: Apply Haversine Formula
Calculate the central angle using the Haversine formula.
Step 4: Convert to Distance
Multiply the central angle by Earth's radius to get the distance.
How to Use
Enter the latitude and longitude of your starting point (Point A)
Enter the latitude and longitude of your destination (Point B)
Select your preferred unit of measurement (kilometers, miles, or nautical miles)
Click "Calculate Distance" to get your results
Examples
Example 1: New York to London
Input: NYC (40.7128°N, 74.0060°W) to London (51.5074°N, 0.1278°W)
Output: 5,570 km (3,461 miles)
Context: This is a typical transatlantic flight distance
Example 2: Tokyo to Sydney
Input: Tokyo (35.6762°N, 139.6503°E) to Sydney (33.8688°S, 151.2093°E)
Output: 7,823 km (4,860 miles)
Context: Major Pacific route for international travel
Interpretation
Distance: The great-circle distance represents the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Bearing: The initial compass direction from the starting point to the destination.
Travel Times: Estimated times based on typical speeds for different transportation modes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between great-circle and straight-line distance?
Great-circle distance follows Earth's curvature, while straight-line distance would go through the planet. Great-circle is the shortest surface distance.
How accurate is the Haversine formula?
The Haversine formula is accurate to within 0.5% for most practical purposes, assuming Earth is a perfect sphere.
What coordinate system should I use?
Use decimal degrees in the WGS84 coordinate system (standard GPS format).
Applications & Use Cases
Navigation
GPS systems, marine navigation, aviation route planning
Logistics
Supply chain optimization, delivery route planning
Research
Geographic studies, climate research, migration patterns
Travel
Trip planning, fuel calculations, time estimates
Limitations
Earth's Shape
Assumes Earth is a perfect sphere; actual shape is an oblate spheroid.
Surface Features
Doesn't account for mountains, valleys, or other terrain features.
Practical Routes
Real travel routes may be longer due to roads, air corridors, or obstacles.
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