Formula Used
Delta values: dx = x2 - x1, dy = y2 - y1, dz = z2 - z1.
Direct distance: distance = √(dx² + dy² + dz²).
Planned route distance: direct distance × (100 ÷ route efficiency).
Payload penalty: payload tons ÷ 100 × range loss per 100 tons.
Usable jump range: base range × boost × safety factor × payload factor.
Estimated jumps: planned route distance ÷ usable jump range, rounded upward.
Estimated fuel: estimated jumps × fuel per jump.
Estimated time: jumps × average minutes per jump and stop.
How To Use This Calculator
Enter the start and destination system names first. Add each system coordinate from the galaxy map. Use negative values when needed. Enter your ship jump range, boost multiplier, safety margin, route efficiency, payload, fuel use, and timing assumptions. Press the calculate button. The result appears below the header and above the form. Use CSV for spreadsheet work. Use PDF for a simple route note.
Example Data Table
| Example route |
Start coordinates |
Destination coordinates |
Jump range |
Efficiency |
Payload |
| Depot to mining yard |
0, 0, 0 |
220, -40, 510 |
35 ly |
95% |
80 tons |
| Carrier to repair base |
1200, -300, 640 |
1600, -180, 920 |
42 ly |
90% |
150 tons |
| Core supply run |
-400, 90, 300 |
2500, -700, 5400 |
55 ly |
88% |
210 tons |
Why This Distance Calculator Helps
Long distance work in Elite Dangerous needs clear planning. A commander may know two system coordinates. Yet the useful route depends on ship range, boosts, cargo, safety margin, and route efficiency. This calculator joins those values in one clean estimate. It also supports construction style hauling. That matters when supplies, modules, or carrier stock must reach a chosen system.
What The Results Mean
The main distance is the direct three dimensional gap between two systems. It uses the X, Y, and Z map coordinates. The planned route distance adjusts that gap for route efficiency. A less efficient route adds extra travel. The usable jump range then includes boost settings, safety reserve, and payload penalty. These options help prevent risky final jumps and empty fuel plans.
Advanced Route Planning
A simple distance answer is often not enough. Large projects may need repeated hauls. Expedition teams may require time estimates. Carrier support may need fuel totals. This page gives estimated jumps, average segment length, fuel use, travel time, horizontal bearing, and vertical angle. These values make the route easier to compare before launching.
Construction Use Case
The Construction category here means project movement and supply staging. You can enter payload mass and range loss per hundred tons. The tool then lowers the usable range. It is not a market quote or official game database. It is a planning model for safer logistical choices. Always compare final plans with in game routing.
Better Decisions Before Departure
Use conservative inputs for serious trips. Increase safety margin when the ship has low fuel capacity. Lower route efficiency when neutron routing, permit locks, or sparse stars may affect travel. Raise extra stop minutes when docking, scanning, repairs, or wing coordination are expected. The result gives a practical estimate instead of a perfect promise.
Exporting Your Plan
The CSV file is useful for spreadsheets and team notes. The PDF file is useful for simple route records. Both exports use the same submitted values. Save them with your mission notes. This creates a repeatable record for future journeys and construction supply runs. Teams can share assumptions, compare builds, and update payload settings before departure. Safer planning helps busy operations move with fewer surprises.
FAQs
What does this distance calculator measure?
It measures the three dimensional distance between two Elite Dangerous coordinate points. It also estimates route distance, jumps, fuel, time, and direction using your ship settings.
Where do I find system coordinates?
Use the in game galaxy map or a trusted route planning database. Enter X, Y, and Z values exactly as shown, including negative signs.
Why is planned route distance different?
Planned distance includes route efficiency. A perfect route uses 100 percent. Lower values model detours, sparse stars, permit locks, and less direct plotting.
What is the safety margin?
Safety margin reduces usable jump range. It helps keep reserve range for difficult routes, fuel concerns, or uncertain ship performance during long hauling trips.
How does payload affect range?
The payload option applies a planning penalty. Larger construction loads reduce usable range based on your chosen percentage loss per 100 tons.
Can I use boosted jumps?
Yes. Enter a boost multiplier above 1. The calculator applies it before safety and payload adjustments, then estimates jumps from the adjusted range.
Are the results official game data?
No. Results are planning estimates based on your entered coordinates and assumptions. Always verify important routes with your actual ship and map route.
What do CSV and PDF downloads include?
Both exports include the submitted route and calculated outputs. CSV supports spreadsheet analysis. PDF gives a simple record for mission notes.