Google Maps doesn’t have a tool for drawing a circle or radius around a point. The closest built-in option is Measure distance: right-click your center point on a computer (or drop a pin on your phone), choose Measure distance, and click outward to see how far away other places are. For an actual circle with a set radius, use the Ruler tool in Google Earth Pro, which has a Circle option, or a free online radius map tool that draws on top of Google Maps.
Here’s how each option works, and which to use for things like delivery zones, commute areas and house hunting.
Method 1: Measure distance in Google Maps
This shows the straight-line distance from a center point, which is enough to check whether a place falls inside a radius.
On a computer
- Open Google Maps in your browser.
- Right-click the center point, such as your home or business, and choose Measure distance.
- Click a second point on the map. The distance appears at the bottom of the screen.
- Click more points to build a path, or drag a point to move it. Click the X in the distance box to start over.
To estimate a radius, measure out in four directions (north, south, east and west) to the distance you care about, such as 5 miles. Those four points outline the area.
On iPhone or Android
- Open the Google Maps app and touch and hold the center point to drop a pin.
- Swipe up on the place card and tap Measure distance.
- Move the map so the crosshair sits on another point. The distance updates at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Add point (the + button) to keep measuring.
Method 2: Draw a true radius circle in Google Earth Pro
Google Earth Pro, Google’s free desktop app for Windows and Mac, can draw a circle with an exact radius.
- Download and open Google Earth Pro from Google’s website.
- Search for your center address.
- Click Tools > Ruler, or the ruler icon in the toolbar.
- Click the Circle tab.
- Click the center point on the map, then drag outward until the Radius box shows the distance you want. Choose miles or kilometers from the menu.
- Click Save to keep the circle as a placemark you can reopen or export as a KML file.
The Ruler window also shows the circle’s area and circumference, which is handy for planning service areas.
Method 3: Show a radius in Google My Maps
Google My Maps lets you build custom maps you can share, but it doesn’t have a circle tool either. You have two options:
- Import a circle: Save a circle from Google Earth Pro as a KML file, then in My Maps click Import on a layer and upload the file. The circle appears on your custom map.
- Draw it by hand: Use Draw a line > Add line or shape to trace an approximate circle around your measured points. It won’t be precise, but it’s fine for a rough service area.
My Maps is useful when you need to share the radius with others, since you can send a link or embed the map.
Method 4: Use an online radius map tool
Several free websites draw a radius on a Google-style map. You type an address and a distance, and the tool draws the circle. Many also show multiple circles or let you export the result. Search for “radius map tool,” and stick to tools that don’t ask for personal information.
Straight-line radius vs travel time
A radius measures distance as the crow flies, which can be misleading. Two places 5 miles away can be a 10-minute drive or a 40-minute drive depending on roads, rivers and traffic. If you’re picking a home near work or a delivery zone, also check travel times with Directions in Google Maps, and use Depart at or Arrive by to test rush hour.
Which method should you use?
| Need | Best option |
|---|---|
| Check if one place is within a distance | Measure distance in Google Maps |
| An exact circle with a set radius | Google Earth Pro Ruler > Circle |
| A shareable map with a radius | Google Earth Pro circle imported into My Maps |
| A quick radius on a phone | An online radius map tool |
| Realistic travel areas | Directions with travel times |
Related: pin multiple locations on Google Maps.
Related: find the halfway point on Google Maps.
Frequently asked questions
Can I search for places within a radius on Google Maps?
Not by exact distance. Google Maps shows results near the area you’re viewing, so zoom the map to roughly your radius before searching.
Does Google Maps measure in miles or kilometers?
It uses your region’s default. On a computer, click the distance scale at the bottom right to switch. In the app, change it in Settings > Distance units.
Can I draw a radius in the Google Earth web version?
Google Earth on the web has a measure tool for lines and areas but not a circle option. Use Google Earth Pro on a computer for circles.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.