Distance Calculator

Calculate the distance between two points using the distance formula. Perfect for coordinate geometry, physics, and engineering calculations with step-by-step solutions.

2D Distance Calculator

Point 1 (x₁, y₁)
Point 2 (x₂, y₂)

Distance Formula

The distance formula is derived from the Pythagorean theorem and is used to find the straight-line distance between two points in coordinate space.

Distance Formulas

Understanding the formulas behind distance calculations:

2D Distance Formula: d = √[(x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)²]
Example: Distance between (0,0) and (3,4) = √[(3-0)² + (4-0)²] = √[9 + 16] = √25 = 5
3D Distance Formula: d = √[(x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)² + (z₂-z₁)²]
Example: Distance between (0,0,0) and (3,4,5) = √[(3-0)² + (4-0)² + (5-0)²] = √[9 + 16 + 25] = √50 ≈ 7.07

Common Distance Examples

Point 1 Point 2 Distance Type
(0, 0)(3, 4)52D
(1, 1)(4, 5)52D
(-2, -3)(1, 1)52D
(0, 0, 0)(1, 1, 1)√3 ≈ 1.733D
(0, 0, 0)(3, 4, 5)√50 ≈ 7.073D

Applications

  • Geometry: Calculate distances in coordinate geometry problems
  • Physics: Find displacement and distance in motion problems
  • Engineering: Calculate distances in design and construction
  • Computer Graphics: Determine distances between objects in 2D/3D space
  • Navigation: Calculate straight-line distances between locations

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you calculate distance between two points?

Use the distance formula: d = √[(x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)²] for 2D points, or d = √[(x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)² + (z₂-z₁)²] for 3D points.

What is the distance formula?

The distance formula is derived from the Pythagorean theorem. For two points (x₁,y₁) and (x₂,y₂), the distance is √[(x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)²].

Can you calculate 3D distance?

Yes, for 3D points (x₁,y₁,z₁) and (x₂,y₂,z₂), use the formula: d = √[(x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)² + (z₂-z₁)²].

What's the difference between distance and displacement?

Distance is the total path length traveled, while displacement is the straight-line distance from start to end point. Our calculator finds displacement (straight-line distance).

See Also