Distance Formula Calculator

The distance formula is derived from the Pythagorean theorem: $d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}$. It calculates the shortest path between two points in a Cartesian plane.

Yes, the distance formula works with negative coordinates because the differences are squared, which always results in a positive value before taking the square root.

If you draw a right triangle between two points, the horizontal distance is $(x_2-x_1)$ and the vertical is $(y_2-y_1)$. The distance $d$ is the hypotenuse of that triangle.