The mobile phone has become an essential multifunctional toolOne of its most practical uses is measuring distances, areas, heights, perimeters, and even creating complete plans. Nowadays, for both professional and home use, there are multiple apps for accurately measuring distances and areas, using your mobile camera, GPS, maps, or even augmented reality. In this article, we show you how. The best distance measuring apps available for Android and iOS, as well as tools for measuring walking routes, land or room areas, and even for creating 3D plans of interior and exterior spaces.
The versatility of today's mobile phones allows apps to take advantage of built-in sensors. (accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS, camera, etc.) to make fairly precise measurements, although it's worth noting that accuracy can vary depending on the application, the method used, and the device model. The range of apps is extensive, including everything from digital rulers to powerful augmented reality apps and professional GPS for surveying or architectural tasks.
How do distance measuring apps work?
There are several main technologies and methods in which applications to measure distances:
- GPS and digital maps: They allow you to measure routes, areas or surfaces outdoors, placing points on maps or following the route in real time.
- Mobile camera and motion sensors: They use the image and the position of the phone to estimate the distance to objects, heights, or surface dimensions. Some use basic trigonometry or augmented reality (ARCore or ARKit).
- Digital ruler: They use the mobile screen as a ruler to directly measure small objects.
- Advanced sensors and augmented realityThe most sophisticated apps combine cameras, sensors, and AR to create 3D plans, measure volumes, and more accurately represent spaces.
Whichever app you choose, the key is to calibrate your device, follow the recommended method, and know the limitations. (for example, camera apps may be sensitive to light, focus, or stability).
The best apps for measuring distances and areas on your mobile
Below is a detailed comparison of the Top apps for measuring distances and surfaces, including its main uses, advantages and practical recommendations.
1. AndMeasure
AndMeasure is a veteran and universal application to measure surfaces and distances on land.
- How to use: Points or markers are selected on a digital map (usually based on Google Maps). You can draw routes, areas, or perimeters, and the app automatically calculates distances and area.
- Recommended uses: It is ideal for measuring farms, agricultural fields, sports routes, estimating construction areas, landscaping, golf, and all types of field activities.
- Measurement formats: It supports measurements in meters, kilometers, miles, feet, and acres, among others, making it very versatile and suitable for different countries and professions.
- Advantages: Ease of use, Spanish-language interface, minimal resource usage, and compatibility with almost any Android phone.
It's compatible with many Android versions and remains a reliable choice for both home and business users.
2. Rangefinder: Smart Measure
Smart Measure is one of the most complete applications for measuring distances using the camera and motion sensors. from the phone, without the need to use maps or GPS.
- Operation: It uses trigonometry and the phone's sensors to calculate the distance, height, and width between two points simply by pointing the camera at the subject.
- Practical applications: Perfect for measuring rooms, living rooms, furniture, doors, windows, or any object inside and outside the home.
- Precision: It's essential to calibrate the device the first time to avoid errors. The app provides calibration instructions and allows you to save measurements.
- Versions: It has a free version and a Pro version (ad-free and with advanced features such as width and area measurement, portrait orientation, and camera zoom).
It is ideal for quick indoor and outdoor measurements, although it is advisable to repeat measurements several times to improve reliability.
3. Ruler
One of the lightest and most accurate apps for measuring short distances with your mobile screen.. Its operation converts the device into an electronic ruler with modes for point, line, plane and level.
- Features: It allows you to measure lengths, diameters and convert between millimeters, centimeters, inches and other unit systems.
- Practical uses: Measures small objects such as cards, coins, screws, electronic parts, etc.
- Advantages: App translated into more than 15 languages (including Spanish), ad-free, takes up very little space, and includes advanced measurement modes.
- Limitations: The maximum measurable size is limited by the length of the mobile screen.
Especially recommended for crafts, DIY and school use.
4. Measure and Align – 3D Plumb Bob
This app stands out for adding virtual plumb lines and 3D alignment tools, making it an advanced option for those who need to check verticality and levelness in addition to measuring distances and volumes.
- Method of use: The camera and sensors are used to measure the distance between two objects, height, width, horizontal and vertical surfaces, and even cylindrical or cubic volumes.
- Professional applications: Very useful for bricklayers, architects, engineers, carpenters and any task that requires checking precise alignments and levels.
- Learning curve: It may require some initial learning, but it comes with built-in manuals and tutorials.
Accuracy improves with continued use and is ideal for measuring construction and renovations.
5. Measurement (Measure by Google)
Google launched its own app to measure distances and objects with the camera., functioning like a digital tape measure. It uses augmented reality to easily take measurements by focusing the camera on a surface.
- Main uses: Measure sizes of furniture, plants, rugs, tables or any object on smooth surfaces.
- Share results: Allows you to take a photo with the size and share it or save it for future reference.
- Recommendations: It works best in good lighting conditions and on flat surfaces. Accuracy depends on hand-eye coordination and camera alignment.
It is a fast option for small measurements, although long distances may not be as accurate as a physical meter.
6. Maps Distance Calculator
One of the best alternatives to calculate distances between points on a map, highly recommended for planning routes, measuring trajectories and delimiting specific areas.
- Modalities: Measure paths by placing multiple points on the map, calculate continuous paths with the pen, and save areas or perimeters for future reference.
- Advanced Options: Includes 3D map viewing, viewing angle adjustment, circumference measurement, and more.
Very useful for outdoor sports activities, such as hiking, cycling, running, or even agricultural and urban use.
7. Prime Ruler
Prime Ruler relies on augmented reality (AR) to measure distances and areas in real time with the camera.. Simply focus on the desired object or surface and mark the start and end points.
- Possible measurements: Lengths, areas, perimeters, volumes, heights, measurements at angles or in a straight line.
- Compatibility: Available for free on most Android devices, it has won awards for its ease of use and reliability in AR measurement.
- Use cases: Whether for renovations, decorating, DIY, or for students and professionals who need quick plans.
8. Tool Box
Tool Box is a multifunction app that brings together 24 tools, turning your mobile into a real box of practical utilities.
- Includes: Ruler, length meter, protractor, level, compass, altimeter, vibrometer, magnetic field detector, heart rate monitor, decibel meter, stopwatch, timer, magnifying glass, calculator, unit converter, barcode reader, seismometer, flashlight, mirror and more.
- Advantages: High precision thanks to the combined use of internal sensors.
- Orientation: Very interesting for advanced users, engineers, technicians, athletes, and DIY and field measurement enthusiasts.
9. AR Plan 3D Rule
3D measurement with augmented reality is possible with AR Plan 3D Ruler, ideal for engineers, architects, real estate agencies and users who want to obtain a digital plan of their home.
- Features: Virtual tape measure measurement, calculation of perimeters, areas, and volumes, 3D floor plans of rooms and halls.
- Easy to use: The app automatically stores measurements and allows you to add annotations to the generated plan.
- Recommended for: Real estate agencies, renovations, space planning, interior design, and furniture purchasing.
Other applications and utilities recommended by specialists
- GPS Planimeter: Excellent alternative for measuring areas, perimeters, angles, and distances on maps, available for download on Android and iOS. It allows professional use for cartography, topography, and agriculture.
- Smart Measure PRO: Advanced version of Smart Measure, ad-free, with area measurement, width, portrait mode, and camera zoom.
- Smart Tools: All-in-one suite with multiple measurement tools (length, angle, slope, level, area, height, compass, metal detector, sound level meter, vibrometer, flashlight, magnifying glass, mirror, and converter).
- Measuring tools: Complete kit with over 23 utilities, from speedometer to seismometer and color meter, compatible with metric and imperial units.
Apps for measuring walking distances and sports training
- Pedometer: Measures steps, distance traveled, pace, and calories burned. It often asks for stride length for greater accuracy.
- Runtastic and StravaIdeal for runners and walkers, they use GPS to record routes and compare journeys. They include speed analysis and health metrics.
- Google Fit: Free Google app to record walks, kilometers traveled, calories and routes in real time.
- MapMyWalk: Records routes, pace, elevation changes, and allows you to share workouts on social media.
These apps are specifically designed for those who want to track walking distances, monitor workouts, or simply improve their health through walking.
Apps for creating plans and measuring spaces in 2D and 3D
- footpath: Plan routes by sliding your finger on the map, align trails, measure distances and elevations, and navigate with voice guidance. It also includes tools for saving, sharing, and exporting routes, and is ideal for hiking, biking, and outdoor sports.
- floor planner: To create 2D and 3D plans easily, with a library of pre-designed objects.
- Sweet Home 3D: Aimed at designing interiors, creating plans and visualizing spaces in 3D.
- 5D Planner: Allows you to create floor plans, measure rooms, and add furniture virtually.
- MagicPlan: Draw and measure plans directly with your mobile camera using augmented reality.
Specialized applications for agriculture, construction and surveying
- GPS Fields Area Measurement: Especially suitable for agricultural management, it measures areas, perimeters, and distances in fields, allows you to mark points of interest (POIs) and share maps. Widely used by farmers, agronomists, and surveyors.
- Distance Meter: Simple app to measure distance and height of objects with the camera, in addition to offering area and length measurement in captured photos.
- GIS ToolsMany of the apps cited include export to formats such as GPX, DXF, or CSV for integration with geographic information systems.
Tips to improve measurement accuracy with apps
- Calibrate the device before the first measurement, following the app's instructions.
- Use flat surfaces and good light when metering is camera or AR dependent.
- Place the mobile stable, avoiding tremors or sudden movements.
- Take several measurements and use the average for greater reliability, especially in long or professional measurements.
- Update apps frequently to take advantage of improvements in accuracy and compatibility.
Frequently asked questions about distance measuring apps
Are these apps accurate? Accuracy depends on the quality of the phone's sensors, the app used, and environmental conditions. For critical professional tasks, use apps with external GPS support or advanced calibration.
Do they work for all types of mobile phones? Most apps work on modern Android or iOS phones, but some features (like AR) may require newer models or specific sensors.
Can they be used in the field or offline? GPS-based apps allow for off-road use even when offline, although downloading maps may be necessary.
The range of distance measuring apps is increasingly comprehensive, allowing anyone—from construction professionals to those measuring their garden or planning a trip—to turn their smartphone into a versatile tool. Choose the app that best suits your needs, calibrate your device, and take advantage of mobile technology to take precise measurements without the need for traditional instruments.
