2D Distance Calculator
Calculate the distance between two points in a 2D plane
Note: This calculator uses the Euclidean distance formula. For other distance metrics (like Manhattan distance), different formulas apply.
Tip: You can enter coordinates as integers or decimals. Negative values are allowed.
Point A
Point B
Distance Metric
Distance Calculation
Point A:
Point B:
Distance:
(0, 0)
(0, 0)
0 units
Formula Used: √((x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)²)
Understanding 2D Distance
Euclidean Distance
- The straight-line distance between two points
- Calculated using Pythagorean theorem
- Formula: √((x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)²)
- Most common distance metric
Manhattan Distance
- Also called taxicab or city block distance
- Sum of absolute differences of coordinates
- Formula: |x₂-x₁| + |y₂-y₁|
- Useful for grid-based movement
Practical Applications
Mapping: Calculating distances between locations on a map or coordinate system.
Game Development: Determining distances between objects in 2D games.
Computer Vision: Measuring distances between features in image processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Euclidean and Manhattan distance?
Euclidean distance is the straight-line ("as the crow flies") distance between two points, while Manhattan distance is the sum of the horizontal and vertical distances ("taxicab" distance around city blocks). Euclidean is always shorter or equal to Manhattan distance for the same points.
Can I use this calculator for negative coordinates?
Yes, the calculator works with any real numbers, including negative values. The distance formulas account for the sign differences automatically.
How accurate are the calculations?
The calculations are mathematically precise for the given inputs. The calculator uses JavaScript's floating-point arithmetic, which provides about 15-17 significant digits of precision.
Can this be used for latitude/longitude coordinates?
For small distances on Earth's surface, this can approximate distances between latitude/longitude points. However, for precise calculations over longer distances, you should use the Haversine formula that accounts for Earth's curvature.
What's the maximum distance this calculator can handle?
The calculator can handle coordinates up to about 1e308 (the maximum value in JavaScript's number system). In practical terms, this is sufficient for any real-world 2D coordinate system.