What is the Circumference of the Earth?

Answer: The Earth’s equatorial circumference is approximately 40,075 kilometers or 24,901 miles.

The equatorial circumference measurement represents the distance around the Earth at its widest point, which is along the equator. It is commonly used as a reference for the size of the Earth. It’s important to note that the Earth is not a perfect sphere, meaning it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator due to its rotation. This shape is a result of the centrifugal force generated by the Earth’s rotation, causing the equator to bulge outward.

Geodesists use the term “geodetic circumference” for a more precise measurement. The geodetic circumference is slightly smaller than the equatorial circumference and is approximately 40,008 kilometers or 24,860 miles. Ancient Greeks like Eratosthenes attempted to estimate the Earth’s circumference using geometry and shadows. But today, satellite measurements and advanced geodetic techniques provide highly accurate values for the Earth’s circumference.