how to measure distance on google maps

Here’s exactly how to measure distance on Google Maps on both computer and phone, plus some handy tips.

What you can do with it

You can use Google Maps’ built‑in distance tool to:

• Measure a straight‑line distance (as the crow flies) between 2 places.

• Add multiple points to trace a custom path and see the total distance in miles or kilometers.

• Roughly plan runs, walks, bike routes, or check spacing between landmarks without starting navigation.

On computer (browser)

Steps:

1. Open Google Maps in your browser and zoom to your starting area.

2. Right‑click the exact starting point on the map (not on a label if you can avoid it).

3. Click “Measure distance” in the menu that appears.

4. Click a second point anywhere on the map. A line appears, and a small card at the bottom shows the total distance in mi/km.

5. To follow a path (e.g., a road or trail), keep clicking to add more points along the route; the total updates each time.

Editing the path:

• To move a point: drag it to a new spot; the distance recalculates automatically.

• To remove a point: click that point once to delete it.

• To finish: click the close (X) on the distance card at the bottom to exit measure mode.

Example use:
Planning a road‑trip segment, you can click from City A to each stop in your route, then back to a hotel, to see the total straight‑line distance before you refine with driving directions.

On phone (Android & iOS app)

Steps:

1. Open the Google Maps app and find your starting place.

2. Tap and hold the map at the start point until a red pin appears (if you tapped a labeled place, you can use that too).

3. Tap the place name or coordinates at the bottom to open its info sheet, then choose “Measure distance”.

4. The screen will show a black target circle; drag the map so your next point lines up with that target.

5. Tap “Add point” or the + button to drop the next point and see the updated distance at the bottom.

6. Keep moving the map and adding points to trace your route; the total distance keeps updating.

Fixing mistakes:

• Use the undo or back arrow to remove the last point you added.

• Use the menu (three dots) and Clear (or similar) to remove all points and start over.

Extra tips and limitations

• This tool measures straight‑line distance; it does not follow roads automatically or account for traffic.

• If you want actual travel distance (driving, walking, cycling), you should instead use Directions and pick a travel mode.

• On desktop, if Google Maps is in a “lite” mode (lower‑power version), distance measuring may be limited or unavailable.

Think of the distance tool as a digital ruler across the earth, not a smart GPS route planner.

Mini FAQ

Q: Can I measure distance between two cities easily?
Yes. Right‑click city A → “Measure distance” → click city B. The card at the bottom shows the straight‑line distance.

Q: Can I measure around a field or property?
Yes. Keep clicking around the perimeter to add points; the total distance is the outline length, and if you close the loop, Maps can also show area in some interfaces.

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Learn how to measure distance on Google Maps on desktop and mobile with this clear step‑by‑step guide, including tips for multiple points, editing paths, and planning routes. Bottom note:
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