How to measure distance on Google Maps

Google Maps is undoubtedly the most useful application from the search giant. As the default navigation app on Android and also available on other devices like iPhone or iPad, Google Maps makes navigating from one place to another extremely easy. However, that’s not all the platform can do. It also offers a handy tool called “Measure distance” to measure the distance between two points on a map.

This tool can also be used to measure the distance on an irregular route. So, whether you are interested in checking the distance between home and work or just looking to measure the distance for your morning run, Google Maps has you covered.

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However, how do you measure distance on Google Maps? Here’s a step-by-step guide for doing on Android, iPhone, PC, and Mac.

How to measure distance on Google Maps on an iPhone or Android phone

While Google Maps comes preinstalled on all Android devices, it must be downloaded from the App Store on Apple iPhone or iPad. However, the apps are the same and the steps to measure distance on Google Maps are the same whether you’re on Android or iOS. Here are the steps you need to follow to measure in a straight line or one with multiple junctions.

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your Android phone or iPhone.

Step 2: Tap and hold anywhere on the Map to set a starting point with a red pin marker. Please note tapping a place’s name or an icon does not show the measure distance tool so you need to tap on an empty space.

Step 3: Now, swipe up on the location card at the bottom of the screen and click on Measure distance.

Step 4: Move the map around so that the black circle is on the next point you want to add.

Step 5: Tap Add point in the lower-right corner to add another marker.

Step 6: Repeat the above two steps to add more markers.

Step 7: Google Maps draws a straight line between the dropped points and shows the measured distance.

As you move the map and add a marker, Google Maps will show you the distance measured between those points. To measure the distance between two points, you can add two markers to draw a straight line or use multiple markers to measure the overall distance of a route. If you use multiple markers, Google Maps will show the overall distance covered and not the distance measured between markers. The feature is great for planning a road trip or for something as simple as an evening walk.

How to measure distance on Google Maps on your PC or Mac

The measure distance tool also works on the web and can be used on your PC or Mac. Since the canvas is larger, the tool is much better suited for the web for planning a road trip or doing geographic research.

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Here’s how to measure distance in Google Maps on your Windows PC or Mac.

Step 1: On your PC or Mac, open Google Maps.

Step 2: Right-click on your starting point.

Step 3: Select Measure distance from the drop-down menu to set your starting marker.

Step 4: Left-click on a second location.

Step 5: Left-click to add another marker.

Step 6: To move a point or path, click and drag it. To remove a point, click it.

Step 7: When finished, click Close on the card at the bottom.

Interestingly, the measure distance feature on Google Maps on the web not only shows the distance in real-time as you add more markers around but also shows each kilometre or mile along your route. This is in addition to the total distance of your route and if you add multiple markers, the feature also measures the total area.

The measure distance feature on Google Maps is extremely useful and the feature on the web can be used to do geographic research or quick calculation of the area. With features like measuring distance and other useful features like viewing your location history or downloading offline maps, Google Maps shows why it remains the most dominant app when people want to travel from one point to another.