Distance vs Displacement Simulator

Total Distance Traveled

0 meters

Sum of all steps taken (Scalar)

Current Displacement

0.00 meters

Straight-line from start (Vector)

Current Position

(0, 0)

Coordinates on grid

Controls

Use Arrow Keys to Move (1 meter per step)

Physics Concept Demonstration

Distance (Scalar): The total length of the path traveled, measured in meters. Every step you take adds to this value.

Displacement (Vector): The straight-line distance from your starting position to your current position, measured in meters. This shows your net change in position.

Try this: Walk in a square pattern back to the start. You'll see high distance but zero displacement!