How to Calculate Distance Between Two Locations Using Excel with Google Maps

Whether you need to calculate distances between locations for personal or professional purposes, Microsoft Excel offers several methods to integrate with Google Maps for accurate distance measurement. This article will guide you through the process of finding the distance between two points either manually or through the use of Google Maps API in Excel. We will also discuss some important notes to keep in mind during the process.

Method 1: Using Google Maps Manually

For those who prefer a straightforward approach, using Google Maps to find distances is simple and effective. Here are the steps to follow:

Open Google Maps: Start by navigating to Google Maps (). Get Directions: Enter your starting point and destination in the search bar. The directions provided will include the distance and estimated travel time, which you can view and then copy. Note the Distance: Take note of the distance displayed, which can be either in kilometers or miles, depending on your preference. Enter in Excel: Open an Excel spreadsheet and paste the distance into a cell for reference. This step allows you to keep a record of the distances calculated.

Method 2: Using Excel with Google Maps API

For those who require automation and efficiency, integrating Google Maps API into Excel can provide a more streamlined process. Here’s how you can set up and use it:

Steps to Set Up:

Get a Google Maps API Key: Head to the Google Cloud Console. Create a new project, enable the Google Maps Distance Matrix API, and generate a key. Set Up Excel: Open Excel and use the keyboard shortcut Alt F11 to open the VBA editor. Insert a new module by right-clicking on any of the items in the Project Explorer and selecting "Insert Module." Add the VBA Code: Copy and paste the following VBA code into the module:

Function GetDistance(origin As String, destination As String, apiKey As String) As String
    Dim http As Object
    Dim json As Object
    Dim response As String
    Set http  CreateObject("MSXML2.XMLHTTP")
    Set json  CreateObject("Scripting.Dictionary")
     "GET", ""  origin  "destinations"  destination  "key"  apiKey, False
    
    response  
    Set json  ParseJson(response)
    On Error Resume Next
    GetDistance  json("rows")(0)("elements")(0)("distance")("text")
    On Error GoTo 0
End Function

Include a JSON Parser: To parse JSON in VBA, download a JSON parser like VBA-JSON and import it into your VBA project. Using the Function in Excel: In a cell, use the function like this: GetDistance("origin", "destination", "YOUR_API_KEY"). Replace origin, destination, and with your actual values.

Important Notes

API Usage: Be aware that using the Google Maps API may incur costs if you exceed the free tier limits. Regular users should monitor their usage. Errors: Ensure that the origin and destination addresses are formatted correctly. Also, check the JSON response for errors before proceeding. Internet Connection: This method requires an active internet connection as it fetches data from Google Maps.

By following these methods, you can calculate the distance between two locations using Excel and Google Maps effectively, ensuring that your data remains accurate and up-to-date.