Great-Circle vs Rhumb Line Distance Comparison
A free, browser-based converter. Runs entirely in your browser — no sign up, nothing stored.
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Enter Values
Enter your values and press Calculate to see results.
How to use this calculator
- Enter both points' latitude and longitude.
- Press Calculate.
- Compare the great-circle and rhumb-line distances.
How it works
Shows the great-circle distance (shortest path) and the rhumb-line distance (constant compass bearing) between two points, plus the extra distance the rhumb line adds.
Worked example
Long route. A rhumb line is easier to steer but longer than the great circle, except along the equator or a meridian.
Frequently asked questions
Which should I use for navigation?
Great circle is shortest; rhumb line is simpler to follow with a constant heading. Long ocean/air routes use great circles split into rhumb-line legs.
Related tools
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
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