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.
Look up the height above sea level for any location by clicking on the map, or by searching a street address, ZIP code, or place name. The tool shows elevation in both feet and meters. 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 street address, ZIP code, or place name, 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. Each elevation lookup sends the coordinates to Open-Meteo's public elevation API. A ZIP code or place name resolves locally in your browser; a street address is matched against our own local address data first, and only sent to the US Census Bureau (or Geocodio as a backup) if it can't be found there. None of it is stored or logged by MapTools.
Who Uses This Tool?
Check elevation gain on trails before you go. Works for anything from local trails to the AT or PCT.
See the hills and gradients on your route before you ride.
Check how high a property sits above sea level for flood zone awareness, drainage, and views.
See how much climbing is on a training route or race course.
Quick terrain checks for site assessments and grading estimates.
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
- Address, ZIP, and place search - Enter a street address, ZIP code, or place name to jump straight there
- 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 street address, ZIP code, or place name in the search box and the map will zoom to your area, showing the elevation in feet and meters. A full street address resolves to its exact point where possible; a ZIP code or place name shows that area's own reference point, with a note if the reading may not match every address in it. You can also click directly on the map at your exact spot.
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. Each lookup sends the coordinates to Open-Meteo's public elevation API to get the height at that point. A ZIP code or place name resolves locally in your browser; a street address is checked against our own local address data first, and only sent to the US Census Bureau (or Geocodio as a backup) if it can't be found there. We never store or log your coordinates or search history. Shared links encode the location directly in the URL, not on our servers.
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