How this calculation works
The distance follows the Pythagorean theorem applied to coordinate differences. Averaging each coordinate gives the midpoint of the straight segment.
Distance = √((x₂ − x₁)² + (y₂ − y₁)²); midpoint = ((x₁ + x₂)/2, (y₁ + y₂)/2)A worked example
From (0, 0) to (3, 4), the distance is 5 and the midpoint is (1.5, 2).
Good to know
An estimate under the stated inputs and model. Displayed decimals are rounded; verify assumptions before relying on the result.
The midpoint does not depend on which point comes first
Averaging each coordinate gives the same midpoint if the endpoints are swapped. Distance is also unchanged because the coordinate differences are squared. Both results therefore describe the segment without choosing a direction of travel.
A vector displacement is different: swapping endpoints reverses its signs. This tool reports an unsigned distance and a location, not a directed displacement vector.
Latitude and longitude do not form an ordinary flat grid
The formula assumes a Cartesian plane with compatible coordinate units. Degrees of latitude and longitude on Earth need a geographic model; entering them as x and y does not produce a reliable surface distance in kilometres.
If x and y use different scales, convert them consistently before finding a geometric distance. A graph of time versus money is not a physical map where those two quantities can be combined as matching length units.
A few questions, answered
Can both points be identical?
Yes. Their distance is zero and their midpoint is that same point.
Does it calculate road distance?
No. It calculates the straight segment in a flat coordinate system.