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Horizontal and Vertical Distance Calculator

Last updated: 07 Sep 2025 | Author: Brij | Review By: Irshad
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Easily calculate horizontal and vertical distances with our free Horizontal and Vertical Distance Calculator. Enter slope distance and angle to get instant results for construction, surveying, and engineering projects.

°
Positive for elevation, negative for depression
Distance Calculation Results
ft
ft
Calculation Formulas
Trigonometric Functions:
HD = TD × cos(θ)
VD = TD × sin(θ)
Where:
- TD = Total Distance (hypotenuse)
- θ = Angle from horizontal
- HD = Horizontal Distance (adjacent)
- VD = Vertical Distance (opposite)
Note: For depression angles, vertical distance is calculated as negative below the horizontal plane.

In construction, surveying, and engineering, calculating accurate distances is essential for planning and execution. Two critical measurements are the horizontal distance (HD) and the vertical distance (VD). These values are often determined using the total slope distance (TD) and the angle of elevation or depression (θ).

Our Horizontal and Vertical Distance Calculator helps you quickly find both values with just a few inputs.

What is Horizontal Distance?

Horizontal distance (HD) is the straight-line measurement along the ground between two points. It represents the base length in a right-angled triangle formed by slope distance.

Formula:

HD=TD×cos⁡(θ)HD = TD \times \cos(\theta)HD=TD×cos(θ)

What is Vertical Distance?

Vertical distance (VD) is the height difference between two points. It represents the vertical leg in the right-angled triangle.

Formula:

VD=TD×sin⁡(θ)VD = TD \times \sin(\theta)VD=TD×sin(θ)

Example Calculation

Suppose we have:

  • Total Distance (TD) = 100 m
  • Angle of Elevation (θ) = 30°

Step 1: Calculate Horizontal Distance (HD)

HD=TD×cos⁡(θ)HD = TD \times \cos(\theta)HD=TD×cos(θ)

HD=100×cos⁡(30∘)HD = 100 \times \cos(30^\circ)HD=100×cos(30∘)

HD=100×0.866HD = 100 \times 0.866HD=100×0.866

HD=86.6 mHD = 86.6 \, mHD=86.6m

Step 2: Calculate Vertical Distance (VD)

VD=TD×sin⁡(θ)VD = TD \times \sin(\theta)VD=TD×sin(θ)

VD=100×sin⁡(30∘)VD = 100 \times \sin(30^\circ)VD=100×sin(30∘)

VD=100×0.5VD = 100 \times 0.5VD=100×0.5

VD=50 mVD = 50 \, mVD=50m

Final Result:

  • Horizontal Distance (HD) = 86.6 m
  • Vertical Distance (VD) = 50 m

Applications of Horizontal and Vertical Distance

  • Construction: Determining slopes, excavation requirements, and material estimates.
  • Surveying: Measuring distances and elevations on site.
  • Engineering: Designing safe and accurate structures.
  • Education: Demonstrating trigonometry in real-world problems.


Horizontal and Vertical Distance Calculator

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Horizontal and Vertical Distance Calculator

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