How GPS Calculates Distance — Satellites and Trilateration
Blog › Digital · 7 min read · Published 2026-03-03
GPS uses signal timing from 4+ satellites and trilateration to determine position.
How It Works
31 satellites orbit at 20,200 km. Your receiver measures signal travel time (speed of light × time = distance) from 4+ satellites for trilateration.
Distance Calculation
Once position is known, GPS apps use the Haversine formula for surface distances.