When you calculate a route in Excel and then view it in Google Maps, you may notice different distance and time values. This is expected behavior due to several factors:
Different Routing Engines:
- Excel uses the Google Routes API for optimization
- Google Maps uses its own web-based routing engine
- Each may choose slightly different paths between waypoints
Traffic Data Timing:
- The Routes API calculates based on conditions at the time you click “Calculate Route”
- Google Maps recalculates using current traffic when you open the link
- Time differences between calculation and viewing cause variations
Route Optimization:
- The Routes API optimizes the waypoint order using advanced algorithms
- Google Maps displays the waypoints in the optimized order but recalculates the actual paths
Bottom Line: The Excel results are your planned route based on the Routes API optimization. Use these figures for planning. Google Maps provides a visual reference but may show slightly different totals.
