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Bearing and Distance Between Coordinates

Calculate the horizontal distance and grid bearing between two coordinates, with DMS, reverse bearing, deltas and midpoint.

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Use coordinates in one consistent linear unit; the result is a grid bearing and horizontal distance.

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Bearing limitation: The result is a two-dimensional grid bearing and horizontal distance. Apply any required grid convergence, scale, elevation or true-bearing corrections separately.

Bearing convention

The whole-circle bearing is measured clockwise from grid North: North is 0°, East is 90°, South is 180° and West is 270°. The result is shown in decimal degrees and degrees-minutes-seconds.

bearing = atan2(ΔE, ΔN)
distance = √(ΔE² + ΔN²)

Grid bearing versus true bearing

This is a coordinate-grid calculation. It does not apply grid convergence, magnetic declination, scale factor or projection corrections. Use appropriate survey control and project procedures for high-accuracy work.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the formula use atan2 Easting before Northing?

That order produces a surveying bearing measured clockwise from North rather than a mathematical angle measured counter-clockwise from the positive x-axis.

Is this a slope distance?

No. It is horizontal plan distance. A 3D slope distance also needs the level difference.

Can I use millimetre coordinates?

Yes, but every coordinate must use the same unit and the returned distance will use that unit. The page labels assume metres.