What elevation means
Elevation is the height of the ground above mean sea level. Denver, the "Mile High City", sits at about 5,280 feet (1,609 m). Death Valley in California dips to 282 feet (86 m) below sea level, the lowest point in North America, while Denali in Alaska rises to 20,310 feet (6,190 m).
How elevation changes everyday things
| Elevation | Water boils at (approx.) | Air pressure vs sea level |
|---|
| Sea level | 212 °F (100 °C) | 100% |
| 2,500 ft (762 m) | 207 °F (97 °C) | 91% |
| 5,000 ft (1,524 m) | 203 °F (95 °C) | 83% |
| 7,500 ft (2,286 m) | 198 °F (92 °C) | 76% |
| 10,000 ft (3,048 m) | 193 °F (90 °C) | 69% |
Because water boils at a lower temperature up high, pasta and eggs take longer to cook, and baking recipes often need less leavening and a slightly hotter oven above about 3,000 feet.
How the numbers are worked out
Ground elevation comes from the USGS National Map. The boiling point and air pressure shown are estimates from the standard atmosphere model, which assumes typical weather. Actual pressure changes from day to day with the weather.
Want your full address and coordinates? Try What is my location.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How is my elevation found?
After you share your location, the coordinates are sent to the US Geological Survey's Elevation Point Query Service, which returns the ground height from the National Map's elevation model. If your device also reports a GPS altitude, it is shown for comparison.
Does it work outside the United States?
The USGS service covers the United States and its territories. Elsewhere the tool shows your device's GPS altitude when available. Phones with GPS report altitude much more often than laptops.
Why is the GPS altitude different?
GPS altitude is measured from a mathematical model of the Earth and is usually less accurate up and down than side to side, often by 10–30 meters. The USGS figure is the mapped ground height at your spot, which is usually more reliable.
Is elevation the same as altitude?
People often use them the same way. Strictly, elevation is the height of the ground above sea level, while altitude is the height of something, like a plane or you on a balcony, above sea level.
Why does elevation matter?
Higher elevations have thinner air, so water boils at a lower temperature, baking recipes may need adjusting, and exercise can feel harder. Elevation also matters for flood risk, hiking plans and some engineering work.