Radius Map Tool
Use the radius map tool to draw a circle around any point. Tap Use my location, search for an address or tap the map, then set the radius in miles or kilometers.
Tap the map or drag the pin to move the center.
How to draw a radius
- Search for an address, tap Use my location or tap the map to set the center.
- Type a radius or pick a preset from 1 to 100, and switch between miles and kilometers.
- Drag the pin or tap somewhere else to move the circle. The area, diameter and circumference update right away.
Use it to check a delivery zone or the search area for a lost pet. It also shows a commute range, or which towns fall within 50 mi (80 km) of home.
The circle and its numbers are calculated in your browser. Only an address you type is sent to a search service to find it.
Why a large circle isn't round on the map
We draw a true ground circle: every point on its edge is the same distance from the center along the Earth's surface. Online maps use the Web Mercator projection, which stretches everything toward the poles. A large circle therefore looks taller than it is wide, and more so the farther it is from the equator. Small circles look round.
The area shown is the real ground area inside the circle, calculated on a sphere, not the area on the screen. For a radius of several hundred miles, it's slightly less than π × r², because the Earth curves. The circumference is measured along the ground too, so it comes out slightly shorter than 2 × π × r.
If the circle doesn't match what you expect
- A radius isn't travel distance. 25 mi (40 km) in a straight line can be 35 mi (56 km) or more by road. Use the distance calculator for road distances.
- Radius, not diameter. A rule like “within 10 miles” means a radius of 10. Entering the full width would draw a circle twice as wide.
- The center point matters. A city search returns one point, usually the center. Type a full street address, or drag the pin, to center the circle where you need it.
- Your own location can be off. On a computer, Use my location may rely on Wi-Fi or your IP address. IP location is often a few miles off, sometimes in another city. Drag the pin to your real spot.
- Water and borders inside the circle are included. The circle doesn't know about rivers, coastlines or state lines.
Frequently asked questions
How do I draw a radius on a map?
Set a center with Use my location, an address or a tap on the map, then enter the radius. The circle appears instantly.
How do I see everything within 10 miles of me?
Tap Use my location and enter 10 with miles selected. Everything inside the circle is within 10 miles in a straight line. For towns, try Cities near me.
Can I draw a radius in kilometers?
Yes. Switch the units to km and enter the radius in kilometers.
Why does my circle look like an oval?
Flat web maps stretch distances toward the poles. The circle is round on the ground; the map can't show it round at large sizes.
Can I draw more than one radius at a time?
No, the tool shows one circle at a time. To compare areas, change the center or radius and note the area for each.