How this calculation works
Calculate signed perpendicular distance from a point in three dimensions to a general plane.
THE FORMULA
d=(Ax+By+Cz+D)/hypot(A,B,C)A worked example
Point (5,0,0) is three units in the normal direction from plane 2x−4=0.
Good to know
Plane coefficients define the normal’s sign.
Reference: OpenStax Algebra and Trigonometry (opens in a new tab) ↗
Read the result
Calculate signed perpendicular distance from a point in three dimensions to a general plane.
The primary result is labeled “Signed distance”. Keep the input definitions in view when comparing this result with another method.
Try a related calculation
Plane coefficients define the normal’s sign.
For a related exercise, try the quadratic equation solver.
A few questions, answered
How can I check the default inputs by hand?
Point (5,0,0) is three units in the normal direction from plane 2x−4=0.
Which rule does this calculator apply?
d=(Ax+By+Cz+D)/hypot(A,B,C)