Bearing & Distance Calculator
Great-circle distance and bearing between two latitude/longitude points
About this calculator
The Bearing & Distance Calculator finds the great-circle distance and compass bearings between two latitude/longitude points using the haversine formula on a spherical Earth (radius 6371.0088 km). It reports the distance in kilometres, miles, and nautical miles, plus the initial and final true-north bearings and a 16-point cardinal label. Coordinates outside ±90° latitude or ±180° longitude return an error. Useful for navigation, aviation, and geography.
How to use the Bearing & Distance Calculator calculator
- Enter your values into the input fields.
- Read the result — it updates instantly as you type.
- Adjust the inputs to compare scenarios.
- Copy the page URL to share the exact calculation.
Common examples
- New York → London: 5570.23 km (3461.18 mi, 3007.68 nm), initial bearing 51.2° NE
- Los Angeles → Tokyo: 8819.41 km (5480.12 mi), initial bearing 306.1° NW
- Paris → Rome: 1105.28 km (686.79 mi), initial bearing 130.6° SE, final 137.8°
Frequently asked questions
How does the Bearing & Distance Calculator calculator work?
Enter your numbers and the calculator applies the standard formula for this everyday task, showing the result and how it was reached. It handles the unit and rounding details so you do not have to.
When would I use the Bearing & Distance Calculator calculator?
Whenever this comes up in daily life — planning, shopping, home projects, travel or work — and you want a quick, dependable answer instead of estimating or working it out by hand.
How accurate are the results?
The math runs at full precision internally and only the displayed value is rounded for readability. For real-world use the practical limit is the accuracy of the numbers you enter, not the calculation.
Can I share a specific calculation with someone else?
Yes. Every value you enter updates the URL, so copying the address bar and sharing the link reopens the exact same calculation for whoever clicks it.