Altimeter
APPRead your current altitude.
Altimeter needs your phone's hardware
It uses the barometer and GPS. Download Carbide free to use it — plus all 111 tools, fully offline.
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What it does
Altimeter reads your current elevation above sea level using your device's GPS, barometric pressure sensor, or both, and displays it continuously as you move. Hike up a trail and watch the altitude climb in real time; check your elevation at a mountain pass; verify the height of a building floor. It shows your altitude in metres or feet, along with the current atmospheric pressure if your device has a barometer. The tool is free, runs entirely offline once you have a GPS fix, needs no sign-up, and keeps everything on your device — your location data is never sent anywhere. It's a simple, always-available reference for anyone who wants to know exactly how high up they are.
How to use the Altimeter
- Open Altimeter and allow location access so the tool can use your GPS signal.
- Wait a few seconds for your device to lock onto GPS satellites — the altitude reading will appear.
- Read your current altitude displayed in metres or feet on the main screen.
- Move to a higher or lower position and watch the reading update in real time.
- Switch between metres and feet using the unit toggle if needed.
Frequently asked questions
- How accurate is the altitude reading?
- GPS-based altitude is typically accurate to within 5–15 metres. If your device also has a barometric pressure sensor, the altimeter can use it to improve accuracy, often to within 2–3 metres on a calibrated reading.
- Does it work offline?
- Yes. GPS and barometric sensors work without any internet connection. The tool only needs a clear view of the sky for a GPS signal — no data connection is required.
- Why is my altitude reading changing indoors?
- GPS signals are weaker indoors, causing drift in the reading. Barometric pressure also changes with weather and HVAC systems, so small fluctuations indoors are normal.
- Is my location data stored or shared?
- No. The tool reads your device's location sensor in real time only. No location data is logged, stored, or sent to any server.