How to Use Google Maps to Measure Distance and Area

While Google Maps is primarily used for turn-by-turn navigation, it also includes hidden cartography tools that allow you to calculate the exact straight-line distance between two points, or map out the square footage of an area of land.

Whether you are trying to find out exactly how far a hike is, measuring the perimeter of your property to buy fencing, or calculating the square footage of a park for an event, the built-in Measure Distance tool provides highly accurate geospatial measurements.

How to Measure Distance on a Desktop Computer

Using Google Maps in a web browser (like Chrome or Safari) offers the most precise control for measuring complex routes.

1. Open your web browser and navigate to Google Maps.
2. Find your starting location on the map. You can zoom in as close as necessary to ensure accuracy.
3. Right-click on the exact starting point.
4. From the context menu that appears, select Measure distance. A small white dot with a black outline will appear at that location.
5. Click anywhere else on the map to place a second point. Google Maps will draw a straight black line between the two dots.

At the bottom of the screen, a small white box will display the total distance in both miles (mi) and kilometres (km).

Measuring Complex Routes

If you are measuring a running trail or a winding river, a straight line will not be accurate. You can add multiple points to create a complex path.

• Simply continue clicking along the path you want to measure. Each click adds a new point, and the total distance at the bottom of the screen will update dynamically to reflect the entire route.
• To adjust a point: If you misplaced a dot, click and hold it, then drag it to the correct location.
• To remove a point: Click directly on an existing dot to delete it from the path.

How to Measure the Area of a Plot of Land

The desktop version of the Measure Distance tool has a hidden secondary function: it can calculate the square area of any shape you draw on the map.

1. Start measuring as described above by right-clicking and placing your first point.
2. Place additional points to trace the perimeter of the property, building, or park you wish to measure.
3. To complete the calculation, click directly on your original starting point to close the shape.

The shape will fill with a light grey colour. The box at the bottom of the screen will now display both the total distance (the perimeter) and the Total Area in square metres (m²) and square feet (sq ft).

How to Measure Distance on the Mobile App (iOS and Android)

You can also use this feature on the go using the Google Maps app on your smartphone, though you cannot calculate total area on mobile—only linear distance.

1. Open the Google Maps app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
2. Tap and hold on your starting location until a red pin drops on the map.
3. At the bottom of the screen, tap on the name of the place (or “Dropped pin”) to pull up the information sheet.
4. Scroll down slightly and tap Measure distance.
5. The red pin will turn into a targeting reticle (a black circle with crosshairs). A blue line will connect it to your starting point.
6. Drag the map around with your finger to move the targeting reticle to your next destination. The distance will update at the bottom of the screen.
7. To add multiple points (for a complex route), tap the blue + (Add point) button in the bottom right corner, then drag the map again.

To clear your measurements and return to the normal map, tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select Clear, or simply tap the back arrow in the top left corner.