# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Travel Planning

How to Figure Elevation Height Differences

Elevation refers to the distance from a set point, usually sea level, to a point on the earth's surface. Because there is less oxygen at higher elevations, it's a good idea to calculate the difference between the elevation you're used to and the one you're going to be traveling to. The greater the difference, the more difficult it will be for you to adjust to the diminished oxygen levels.

Current location name
Destination name

Instructions

- 1
  Navigate to an online tool that will tell you the elevation of your current location and your destination. Two options are Daft Logic and Altitude.Nu.
- 2
  Click on the map where you are currently located. Use the zoom tool on the left side of the map, if needed. The elevation of the location will be displayed at the bottom of the map or on the map itself. Record this number.
- 3
  Click on your destination within the map. Again, use the zoom tool, if needed. Record the elevation number.
- 4
  Subtract the smaller elevation from the larger elevation to obtain the elevation height difference. For example, you are in Baghdad, which has an elevation of 38 meters and you are going to Cairo, which has an elevation of 51 meters. To get the elevation height difference, you would subtract 38 from 51. The elevation height difference between Baghdad and Cairo is 13 meters.