What is the distance formula?

In 2D, the distance between points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is d = √[(x2 − x1)² + (y2 − y1)²]. It comes from the Pythagorean theorem.

Can I calculate distance in 3D?

Yes. The 3D distance formula is d = √[(x2 − x1)² + (y2 − y1)² + (z2 − z1)²]. This tool supports 3D.

How do I find distance between two GPS coordinates?

Use the lat/long tab which applies the haversine formula on a spherical Earth (radius 6,371 km). Good for most general purposes.

Does this tool show midpoint too?

Yes. For 2D and 3D modes it also gives you the midpoint between the two points.

Distance Formula Calculator

Find the distance between two points in 2D, 3D, or even on the Earth’s surface using latitude and longitude. This tool shows the formula, calculates the midpoint, and handles negative or decimal coordinates.

Point A (x₁, y₁)

x₁ y₁

Point B (x₂, y₂)

x₂ y₂

Distance formula (2D)

Formula:

d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}

This is derived from the Pythagorean theorem: the straight-line distance is the hypotenuse of a right triangle whose legs are the differences in x and y.

Distance formula (3D)

d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2 + (z_2 - z_1)^2}

Haversine formula (lat/long)

d = 2R \arcsin \left(\sqrt{\sin^2\left(\frac{\varphi_2 - \varphi_1}{2}\right) + \cos(\varphi_1)\cos(\varphi_2)\sin^2\left(\frac{\lambda_2 - \lambda_1}{2}\right)}\right)

Where φ is latitude in radians, λ is longitude in radians, and R is Earth’s radius.

FAQs

What is the midpoint between two points?

Midpoint M between (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂) is: M = ((x₁ + x₂)/2, (y₁ + y₂)/2). Our tool shows it for 2D/3D.

Can I use this for physics problems?

Yes. If your problem involves straight-line distance between two points in Cartesian space, this formula is standard.

What if I only have one coordinate different?

The formula still works — the other difference will be zero, so it reduces to the absolute difference on one axis.