Map Reading Calculator

Calculate distance and azimuth between two grid coordinates. Convert between map distance and ground distance using map scale.

Inputs

Point 1 Easting

Point 1 Northing

Point 2 Easting

Point 2 Northing

Map Scale (1:X)

Tab to move between fields

Results

Ground Distance

3,905 m

≈ 12 Eiffel Towers

Grid Azimuth

39.8°

Distance3.91 km

Azimuth708 mils

Back Azimuth219.8°

Map Distance7.8 cm

How to Use This Calculator

Enter Point 1 Easting and Point 1 Northing from the MGRS grid (6 or 8 digit).
Enter Point 2 Easting and Northing for the destination grid.
Set Map Scale (1:X) — typically 1:50,000 for tactical maps.
Review Ground Distance (m and km) and the calculated azimuth between the two points.
Use these values for route planning, call-for-fire missions, and MEDEVAC 9-line submissions.

How the result changes with Point 1 Northing

Point 1 Northing	Ground Distance	Grid Azimuth
1,000,000	615,005 m	179.8°
3,500,000	3,115,001 m	180°
6,499,999	6,115,000 m	180°
8,999,999	8,614,999 m	180°

What each input means

Point 1 Easting: Easting (x-coordinate) of the start point in meters.
Point 1 Northing: Northing (y-coordinate) of the start point in meters.
Point 2 Easting: Easting (x-coordinate) of the destination point.
Point 2 Northing: Northing (y-coordinate) of the destination point.
Map Scale (1:X): Map scale denominator (e.g., 50000 for 1:50,000).

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Point 1 Easting = 45000, Point 1 Northing = 382000, Point 2 Easting = 47500, Point 2 Northing = 385000 = 5 input(s) provided
Calculate Ground Distance
Ground Distance
3905 = 3905
Calculate Grid Azimuth
Grid Azimuth
39.8 = 39.8
Calculate Distance
Distance
3.91 = 3.91
Calculate Azimuth
Azimuth
708 = 708

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