How to Measure Distance in Google Earth Using the Ruler Tool

Step 1: Download Google Earth. It's Free.

Step 2: Open Google Earth, and type in the location you want to measure in the search bar that says "fly to." Press enter or the magnifying glass.

Step 3: Once you have adjusted the images so that it shows the location you want to measure, click on the ruler icon on the top of the window. You can also click the tools menu and select "ruler."

Step 4: Google Earth gives you two choices. You can measure distance with a line or a path. I would recommend clicking on path, since you can measure a road, driveway, or trail more precisely. This is more ideal if what you are measuring curves slightly or turns in multiple directions.

Step 5: Once you have selected "path," click on the map to select the origination point you want to start from. Then click on the next point of what you are measuring. Keep clicking to create a path of what you are measuring in Google Earth. By clicking the units drop down menu, you can interchange between different units anywhere from inches to miles. If you are measuring over varying terrain such as hills, Google Earth will factor in the terrain, so your measurement will be precise, no matter if you are measuring in mountains or flat plains. When you are done, you can press clear to start a new measurement. Use the arrow keys to move around when using the ruler, so you do not accidentally click on the screen in the wrong place while you are measuring in Google Earth.