Distance Between Two Points

The straight-line distance between two points on a plane.

Result

Distance

5.0000

How it works

d = √((x₂−x₁)² + (y₂−y₁)²)

The distance formula comes from the Pythagorean theorem: the horizontal and vertical gaps are the legs, the distance is the hypotenuse.

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Frequently asked questions

Where does the formula come from?

From Pythagoras — the distance is the hypotenuse of a right triangle formed by the x and y differences.

Does it work in 3D?

The same idea extends to 3D by adding a (z₂−z₁)² term; this tool covers the 2D case.

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