Distance & Bearing Calculator

Calculate great circle distance and initial bearing between two points

Starting Point

Destination

Enter coordinates in decimal degrees. Use negative for S/W.

Example: Miami 25.7617, -80.1918 | Key West 24.5551, -81.7800

Quick Locations

Route Results

Distance --
Initial Bearing (True) --
Compass Direction --
Reciprocal Bearing --
Estimated Time Enroute --
Distance (Statute Miles) --
Distance (Kilometers) --

Waypoint Reference

Start Position --
End Position --
Midpoint (approx) --

About Great Circle Navigation

This calculator uses the Haversine formula to compute the great circle (shortest) distance between two points on Earth's surface. The initial bearing is the direction you would travel leaving the starting point.

Note: On long passages, the bearing will change as you travel along the great circle route. For short coastal voyages, a constant (rhumb line) bearing may be more practical.

Magnetic Variation: The bearing shown is TRUE north. Apply local magnetic variation to convert to magnetic compass heading.