Distance From Point To Plane Calculator

Distance From Point to Plane Calculator

Find the perpendicular distance from a point to a plane in 3D space.

Last updated: June 2026 | By Patchworkr Team

Point to Plane Solver

Plane: ax + by + cz + d = 0

Point (x0, y0, z0)

Perpendicular Distance

Enter the plane coefficients and point coordinates as real numbers.

What is the Formula?

For a plane written as ax + by + cz + d = 0, the perpendicular distance to a point is:

distance = |ax0 + by0 + cz0 + d| / sqrt(a^2 + b^2 + c^2)

The denominator is the length of the plane normal vector, which must not be zero.

How to Use

1. Enter the plane coefficients a, b, c, and d.

2. Enter the point coordinates x0, y0, and z0.

3. Read the live perpendicular distance.

Worked Example

For plane 2x - 3y + 6z - 12 = 0 and point (1, 2, 3):

numerator = |2*1 + (-3)*2 + 6*3 - 12| = |2 - 6 + 18 - 12| = 2

denominator = sqrt(2^2 + (-3)^2 + 6^2) = 7

distance = 2/7

FAQ

Can the plane normal be zero?

No. That would not define a valid plane.

Can the distance be negative?

No. The absolute value makes the result non-negative.

Does the sign of d matter?

Yes, but only through the formula ax0 + by0 + cz0 + d.

Can the point lie on the plane?

Yes. Then the distance is 0.

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