Elevation Finder - Check Height Above Sea Level

Click the map or enter a ZIP code to find the elevation at any point in the US. Switch to Profile mode to plot a route and see how the terrain rises and falls.

By Dan · Updated March 2026

Look up the height above sea level for any location by clicking on the map. The tool shows elevation in both feet and meters along with the nearest place name. In Profile mode, plot waypoints along a route to generate an elevation chart with total ascent, descent, and gradient.

Free Elevation Lookup for Any US Location

Check the height above sea level for any spot in the United States. Click the map or type a ZIP code to see the elevation in feet and meters. Switch to Profile mode to trace a path and see an elevation chart showing the hills and valleys along the way.

No account needed. All data stays in your browser.

Who Uses This Tool?

Hikers & Trail Runners

Check elevation gain on trails before you go. Works for anything from local trails to the AT or PCT.

Cyclists & Bike Commuters

See the hills and gradients on your route before you ride.

Homebuyers & Real Estate

Check how high a property sits above sea level for flood zone awareness, drainage, and views.

Runners & Coaches

See how much climbing is on a training route or race course.

Land Surveyors & Planners

Quick terrain checks for site assessments and grading estimates.

Teachers & Students

Explore US topography. Compare the Rockies, Great Plains, and Appalachians.

Features

  • Point elevation - Click anywhere to get height above sea level in feet and meters
  • Elevation profile - Plot waypoints and see a chart of terrain changes along a route
  • Route statistics - Total distance, elevation gain, loss, max, min, and average gradient
  • Interactive chart - Hover over the profile to see elevation at each point, highlighted on the map
  • Place name lookup - Shows the nearest city or landmark for each point
  • ZIP code search - Jump to any US ZIP code or search by city name
  • Shareable links - Generate a URL that recreates your exact view
  • Satellite view - Toggle between street and satellite imagery

About the Elevation Data

Elevation data comes from the Open-Meteo Elevation API, which uses the Copernicus Digital Elevation Model (DEM) at roughly 90-meter resolution. The Copernicus DEM is based on the TanDEM-X satellite mission and is accurate to within about 10-15 feet vertically.

Values are referenced to the EGM96 geoid, which approximates mean sea level. US government maps use NAVD88, which differs by a few feet in most areas.

This level of accuracy is fine for hiking, cycling, flood awareness, and general use. For construction or engineering work, consult a licensed surveyor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the elevation of my property?

Type your address or ZIP code in the search box and the map will zoom to your area. Then click on the exact spot to see the elevation in feet and meters. You can also allow location access to center the map on your current position.

What reference datum does this tool use?

Elevations are referenced to the EGM96 geoid model, a global approximation of mean sea level. US government maps typically use NAVD88. The two systems agree within a few feet across the continental US, though differences can be larger in Alaska and Hawaii.

How accurate is the elevation data?

The Copernicus DEM has approximately 90-meter horizontal resolution and vertical accuracy within 10-15 feet for most terrain. Steep cliffs and dense forest canopy can reduce accuracy. For precise measurements, a professional survey with RTK GPS is recommended.

What is an elevation profile?

An elevation profile is a side-view chart showing how the ground rises and falls along a path. Switch to Profile mode, click waypoints on the map, and the tool generates a chart with total ascent, descent, and gradient.

Is my location data stored?

No. Everything runs in your browser. We never store your coordinates or search history. Shared links encode the location directly in the URL.

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