Automatically measure distances and areas in Google Maps for desktop and mobile
Google Maps has a robust feature set and is constantly improved, one update at a time. Most people use it for directions when moving from one place to another, but it can do much more. One of Maps' less obvious features is the ability to measure distances. I
Distances can be measured on the Google Maps app for iOS and Android apps. You can also make measurements in the web version of Google Maps, which is especially helpful if you've made the jump to a top-of-the-line Chromebook. This article guides you through calculating straight-line distances, routes, and land mass areas within the Maps app.
If you use Google Maps on the web, you can measure distances by following these steps:
The distance is measured in a straight line, with the total value appearing at the destination point and in a pop-up window. You can quickly move the origin or destination points around by simply double-clicking on either and dragging it to a new position.
You can also double-click and drag any point between the start and end of the line to draw more complex routes. This is useful for tracing actual movement paths accurately instead of straight lines. The total distance measured automatically adjusts, and you'll also see individual distances between select points.
If you want to remove a point, click on it once without dragging it. And once you're done with the tool, click the X symbol in the measurement box or right-click and select Clear measurement to close it.
You can quickly get the distance between two named places linked by roads by googling "Distance from X to Y." Maps selects a route and calculates its distance based on your chosen transport means.
Measuring distances in the Maps web software is similar to the mobile app. However, the differences between the input methods (touch and mouse) make navigating the feature slightly different. Here's how:
If you wish to measure a more complex route, tap the blue + button at every turn to set a new point. The distance automatically adjusts as each new location is added.
Unlike when using the web version on your PC or Mac, you can't drag and move an existing line or a point you've added to the map. So, you'll need to map out the route as you go using the + button.
You can remove the last point added by tapping the undo arrow in the upper-right corner of the screen. To undo everything and start over, tap the More (three-dot) icon in the upper-right corner and select Clear.
Calculating distances is pretty neat, but Maps takes things further with its ability to measure the area of a location in square feet and square meters. This can come in handy for getting an estimated size of a real estate property without hiring a professional.
The area calculator is only available for the desktop web app. So, you won't be able to recreate this on mobile.
Here's how to use it:
Switch to satellite mode using the Layers tile in the lower-left corner of the screen to see the boundaries of the location. Also, the more points you add, especially on slightly curved sides, the more accurate the area will be.
Each point of your selected area is still draggable even after the initial area has been calculated, so you can adjust them for further accuracy if needed.
Next time you wish to measure the distance between two places or calculate the area of a property, follow the steps above. For more guides to using Google Maps, check out our articles on changing your home address and setting your commute in the app.
Haroun joined Android Police in 2021, reporting on the latest stories in the tech world. Since then, he’s gleefully covered everything from the most mundane Google Docs features to more mainstream Android and Chrome OS experiences, but he can’t seem to get enough. His curiosity is only limited by the gadgets he has to play with at any given time. How did it all start, though? The story of his affinity for tech takes us back to a time long ago. When Haroun was younger, he wanted to be a doctor — he still wants to be one — but the tech bug also bit him. He started following the industry for his pleasure around 2014 before eventually taking up a writing role with Android Police. He’s also written several buyer guides (and features) for How-To Geek, recommending the best smartphone and laptop gadgets. Before his foray into tech writing, Haroun crafted several sales articles and landing pages for copywriting agencies. He also tapped into his inner gearhead energy to write for automotive sites like HotCars and Vehicle History. His passion for medicine is still strong, and he’s currently studying for an MBBS degree. Haroun clearly likes to wear many hats, though his favorite is sometimes a mystery.