What is the distance formula?
d = √((x2−x1)² + (y2−y1)²) for points in the plane.
Distance Formula Calculator
Apply the distance formula to find how far apart two plane points are.
Enter two points
Provide coordinates for point 1 and point 2.
About this calculator
How to use Distance Formula Calculator, plus the formulas and logic behind the results.
Tool description
The plane distance formula is the Pythagorean theorem applied to the differences in x and y.
How to use
- Enter point 1 coordinates.
- Enter point 2 coordinates.
- Select Calculate to view distance.
- Review Δx and Δy for a quick check.
Formulas & reference
d = √((x2 − x1)² + (y2 − y1)²)
Classic example
- (0,0) to (3,4) → d = 5
- Δx = 3, Δy = 4
- 3-4-5 right triangle
- Order of points does not matter
Calculation logic
Computes horizontal and vertical differences, then the Euclidean norm.
Distance is always non-negative. Identical points give distance 0.
Distance Formula Calculator FAQ
Common questions about this calculator and how to use the results.
Why square the differences?
Squaring removes sign and matches the Pythagorean theorem.
Can coordinates be negative?
Yes. Differences handle any real coordinates.
Is this 3D distance?
This tool is 2D. Use the distance-between-two-points calculator for 3D.
What if points coincide?
Distance is zero.
Does order matter?
No. Distance is symmetric.