Measure distances and areas in Google Earth - Computer (2024)

You can measure distances between locations and along paths. You can also measure the size of polygons that you draw in Google Earth.

Measurements of distances may not be 100% accurate, especially in areas with 3D terrain and buildings. For best results, measure using a top-down view.

Tips:

• Measurements don’t account for changes in elevation.
• These instructions only apply to the new Google Earth. Learn how to measure distances in Google Earth Pro.

1. On your computer, open Google Earth.
2. Search for a place, or select a location on the globe.
3. On the left, click Measure. Google Earth will switch to a top-down view.
4. Click the map to set measurement points.
5. To remove a point, on the right, click Undo .
6. To complete your line measurement, double-click on your last point, or click Done .

On the right, you’ll findthe length.

Tips:

• To measure the area of a location, connect to your first point to close the shape. You’ll find the area on the right.
• To find these instructions and get more assistance, click Help .

Edit your measurement

• When you finish adding points, to edit your line segments or shape, click and drag the points.
• To measure again, on the right, click Start New .
• To delete your measurement and go back to the map, on the right, click Close .

Change measurement units

After measuring a distance:

1. At the top right, you can find the measured distance.
2. Next to a unit of distance, click the dropdown.
3. Choose a unit of measurement.

To adjust overall settings:

1. On the left, click Tools Settings .
2. In the “Format and Units” section, adjust to the desired units.

Measure the elevation of a point

1. On the map, place your cursor to the point that you want to measure the elevation.
2. At the bottom right, you can find the elevation at the rightmost part.

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