How to Calculate Distance Between Two Points: Formula, Steps & Examples
Learn how to calculate Distance Between Two Points — the formula explained step by step, with worked examples and a free calculator to check your answer.
Distance Between Two Points Calculator
Verified formula Updated Jun 2026 Private — runs on your device
Verified formula
Private
Distance
5.0000
For general information only — not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify before you rely on it.
How to use the Distance Between Two Points Calculator
The Distance Between Two Points Calculator works out your distance in an instant. Enter x₁, y₁ and x₂ and the result updates as you type — it is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser so your figures stay private.
- Enter the x₁.
- Enter the y₁.
- Enter the x₂.
- Enter the y₂.
- Read off your distance — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Formula
The Distance Between Two Points Calculator uses the formula:
Distance = √((x₂ - x₁) ^ 2 + (y₂ - y₁) ^ 2)
Worked example
For example, with x₁ of 0, y₁ of 0, x₂ of 3 and y₂ of 4, the distance is 5.0000.
| x₁ | 0 |
|---|---|
| y₁ | 0 |
| x₂ | 3 |
| y₂ | 4 |
| Distance | 5.0000 |
|---|
Results are estimates for educational use, not professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
The distance between two points is √((x₂ − x₁)² + (y₂ − y₁)²). From (0, 0) to (3, 4) the distance is 5.
The formula is the Pythagorean theorem applied to the horizontal and vertical gaps between the points, which form a right triangle.
Yes. Squaring the differences removes any sign, so the distance is always positive regardless of where the points sit.
This version is for 2D. In 3D you add a (z₂ − z₁)² term inside the square root.
Enter the x₁. Enter the y₁. Enter the x₂. Enter the y₂. Read off your distance — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.