Distance between coordinates

Distance between coordinates: what it is for

Enter the latitude and longitude of two points, or pick two cities, and see the straight-line distance in kilometers, miles and nautical miles, the initial bearing in degrees and on the compass rose, the midpoint and the approximate time of a direct flight. The calculation uses the haversine formula with the Earth's mean radius, and accepts coordinates in decimal degrees or in degrees, minutes and seconds.

The calculations run in your browser. Your location is only used if you tap the button, and nothing is sent to a server.

How to use

1. Enter the coordinates of point A.
2. Enter those of point B.
3. See the distance, bearing and midpoint.

When to use it

• Comparing flight distances between cities.
• Navigation, fishing and outdoor sports.
• Geography and cartography exercises.

Frequently asked questions

How is the distance calculated?

With the haversine formula, which gives the great-circle distance between two points on a sphere, that is, the shortest path over the Earth's surface. The tool uses the Earth's mean radius of 6,371 km, and the error compared to the planet's real shape is at most about 0.5%.

Why is the distance shorter than by road?

Because it is the straight-line distance, like a direct flight. By road, the route is usually 20% to 40% longer, depending on curves and terrain.

What is the initial bearing?

It is the direction, measured in degrees clockwise from North, in which you should leave the first point to reach the second by the shortest path. Over long distances, this bearing changes along the way.

Is it really free?

Yes, 100% free. No sign-up, no subscription and no usage limits. All Tools123 tools are free and run right in your browser.

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