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ZIP Code Distance Calculator

Calculate the distance between two US ZIP codes. Get miles, kilometers, and estimated driving time using the Haversine formula.

Calculator

Try:

Desde

Hasta

Distancia de conducción estimada

~1.3x straight-line distance

Tiempo de conducción estimado

A una velocidad promedio de 50 mph

Distances are straight-line (Haversine formula). Driving estimates are approximate.

How to Use

  1. 1
    Enter origin ZIP code

    Enter the origin 5-digit ZIP code in the "From" field, or click a preset pair.

  2. 2
    Enter destination ZIP code

    Enter the destination 5-digit ZIP code in the "To" field. City and state appear automatically.

  3. 3
    View distance results

    View straight-line distance in miles and kilometers, plus an estimated driving time at 50 mph.

About

The US ZIP Code system was introduced in 1963 by the United States Postal Service (USPS) as the Zone Improvement Plan. Each 5-digit code identifies a specific geographic delivery area. The first digit designates a broad region — 0 for the Northeast, 9 for the West Coast — while subsequent digits narrow to a sectional center facility and local post office.

There are approximately 41,000 active ZIP codes covering every deliverable address in the United States, including territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands. Each ZIP code centroid has a latitude and longitude, which this calculator uses to compute the great-circle distance via the Haversine formula.

Driving distance between two ZIP codes is typically 1.2 to 1.4 times the straight-line distance, depending on road networks and terrain. This tool estimates driving distance at 1.3x and driving time at an average speed of 50 mph, which accounts for a mix of highway and local roads.

FAQ

How is the distance calculated?
The tool uses the Haversine formula to calculate the great-circle (straight-line) distance between ZIP code centroids. Driving distance is estimated at 1.3x the straight-line distance.
What ZIP codes are supported?
All active US 5-digit ZIP codes are supported, including territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.
How accurate is the driving time estimate?
The driving time assumes an average speed of 50 mph, which represents a mix of highway and local roads. Actual times vary by route and traffic conditions.
Can I calculate international distances?
This tool currently supports US ZIP codes only. For international postal codes, use the distance calculator tool.
What is a ZIP code centroid?
A ZIP code centroid is the geographic center point (latitude and longitude) of the delivery area covered by that ZIP code. It is used as the reference point for distance calculations.

Preguntas frecuentes

How does the ZIP code distance calculator work?
The calculator uses the Haversine formula to compute the great-circle distance between the geographic centers (centroids) of two US ZIP codes. It looks up the latitude and longitude for each ZIP code, then calculates the shortest path over the Earth's surface. This is the same method used in aviation and maritime navigation.
Is the distance shown straight-line or driving distance?
The primary result is the straight-line (as-the-crow-flies) distance. The tool also shows an estimated driving distance, calculated at approximately 1.3 times the straight-line distance. Actual driving distance varies depending on road networks, terrain, and route taken.
How accurate is the driving time estimate?
The driving time is a rough estimate based on the calculated driving distance at an average speed of 50 mph. This accounts for a mix of highway and local roads. Actual travel time depends on traffic conditions, road type, speed limits, and stops. For precise routing, use a dedicated navigation service.
Does this work for all US ZIP codes?
Yes. The calculator covers all approximately 41,000 active US ZIP codes, including standard delivery areas, PO Box ZIP codes, and unique ZIP codes assigned to large organizations. Each ZIP code has a geographic centroid with latitude and longitude coordinates derived from Census and GeoNames data.
Can I calculate distance between international postal codes?
This tool currently supports US ZIP codes only. International postal codes use different formats and address systems. For cross-border distances, you would need the coordinates for each postal code in its respective country's system.