What is Elevation Profile?

This elevation profile tool visualizes terrain elevation changes along a path or route. Enter waypoints or upload a GPX file to see a detailed chart of altitude gains, losses, total ascent, and gradient steepness. It works for hikers, cyclists, and anyone planning a trail.

Type latitude, longitude, and elevation by hand, paste a route as text, or upload a GPX or KML file from Strava, Garmin, Komoot, or Google Earth. Switch between metric and imperial units, then read distance (km or mi), elevation (m or ft), and both average and max gradient. Export the chart as PNG or the raw numbers as CSV for spreadsheets.

How to use

1. Enter coordinates as waypoints, paste a path, or upload a GPX/KML file with route data.
2. View the interactive elevation chart showing altitude at each point, with gradient coloring for steep sections.
3. Hover over the chart to inspect specific elevations, then download the profile as a PNG chart or export elevation data as CSV.

When to use

• Pre-checking the steepness of a new hiking route before committing to it.
• Comparing the climb profile of a cycling race to plan pacing and gear ratios.
• Visualising the vertical drop of a ski tour or trail run from a recorded GPS track.

Result

A mountain biker uploads a GPX file of a 40km trail ride. The profile shows a 1,200m total ascent with a steep 15% gradient section at km 28, so they can pace their effort over the climb.

FAQ

Where does the elevation data come from?

From the file or waypoints you provide. Most GPX files record an <ele> tag captured by your GPS watch or phone. The tool does not query a server-side terrain database, so if your file lacks elevation values the chart will be flat at zero.

Why is the GPX elevation noisier than I expected?

Consumer GPS units have a vertical accuracy of around 3 to 5 metres, and the noise compounds as you add ascent over a long ride. To smooth the line, record with a barometric-altimeter watch or post-process the file in a tool like GPS Babel.

What counts as total ascent?

The sum of every positive elevation change between consecutive points. Total descent is the same sum for negative changes. The two numbers usually differ even on a loop, because GPS noise adds tiny phantom climbs and drops.

How is gradient calculated between waypoints?

Rise over run, expressed as a percent: (elevation2 minus elevation1) divided by horizontal distance, times 100. A 10% gradient means 10 metres up for every 100 metres forward. Anything over 15% is very steep on foot and quite hard on a bike.

Can I upload a TCX or FIT file instead of GPX?

Not directly yet. Strava, Garmin Connect, and Komoot all let you re-export an activity as GPX, which is the simplest workaround. KML files from Google Earth or Google Maps work straight away.

Related Tools