Measure distances and areas

Google Earth lets you measure various dimensions of points, paths, and polygons. Each feature type includes some terrain statistics, which are provided as advanced measurements.

Note: For best results, measure using a top-down view and the satellite basemap.

Terrain statistics initially vary with map view resolution and are refined once drawing the feature is complete. All values depend on inferred data, which may have errors. All measurement results are estimates, may not be 100% accurate, and are not substitutes for onsite or survey-grade measurements.

Length or distance and area measurement results don't account for changes in elevation.

The following table summarizes the measurement information provided for each feature type.

Feature type	Measurement information
Between two points or locations	Length Heading Advanced measurements: Minimum, median, and maximum elevation points of the terrain Minimum, median, and maximum slope of the terrain
Path (3+ points)	Length Advanced measurements: Minimum, median, and maximum elevation points of the terrain Minimum, median, and maximum slope of the terrain
Polygon	Perimeter Area Advanced measurements: Minimum, median, and maximum elevation points of the terrain

Note: These instructions only apply to Google Earth on web and mobile. Learn how to measure distances in Google Earth Pro.

Computer Android iOS

Advanced measurements

Google Earth's measurements now include terrain statistics for paths (elevation and slope) and polygons (elevation). Placemarks include the ground elevation of the corresponding latitude and longitude point.

As you add points while measuring, sample points are interpolated along the feature to estimate elevation and slope statistics.

Initial coarse estimates are provided while drawing, which are dependent on your zoom level. Upon completing your drawing, the values are refined, but are still only estimates.

The "Median" slope and elevation values represent the 50th percentile value among the sampled points — that is, 50% of the slope and elevation of the feature are over these values, respectively.

Measure a line

1. On your computer, open Google Earth.
2. Search for a place, or select a location on the globe.
3. At the top, click Measure. Google Earth switches to a top-down view.
4. Click the map to set measurement points.
5. To remove a point, click Undo in the inspector panel on the right.
6. To complete your line measurement, double-click on your last point, or click Done in the inspector panel.
7. The inspector panels shows the following information:
   • The length of the line
   • The heading, or the direction from the origin, of the line
   • Advanced measurements

To measure the area and perimeter of a location, set measurement points, then double-click the first point to close the shape. The area and perimeter information appear in the inspector panel on the right.

Note: You can't measure the elevation difference between two points.

Edit a measurement

After adding points, drag the points to edit your line segments or shape.

To measure again, click Start New in the inspector panel.

To delete your measurement and go back to the map, click Close in the inspector panel.

Change measurement units

To change measurement units after measuring, do the following:

1. In the inspector panel, next to a unit of measurement, click the drop-down.
2. Select a unit of measurement.

To adjust overall settings:

1. Click Settings in the right corner of the top toolbar.
2. Scroll to Formats and units and adjust the values for each type.

Measure the elevation of a point

1. On the map, hover over a location. The location's elevation appears in the bottom right corner of the screen.
2. Right-click the location to add it as a Placemark. Select the Placemark on the map or from the Map contents panel to view the point's ground elevation value under Advanced measurements in the inspector panel.