How Much Data Does Google Maps Use?

Sirisha

Updated: February 6, 2024

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Data usage is an essential factor when choosing a navigation app. Above all, running out of data in the middle of nowhere isn’t best in any situation. Here comes Google Maps. 

Google Maps is a navigation app that delivers real-time directions to navigate streets, places, to even establishments. Like other mobile apps, it can be data-draining. 

Read more to understand how much data Google Maps uses, its generated revenue, and the web usage per country.

Editor’s Choice

• When actively used, Google Maps consume 2 – 4 times its standard data usage.
• Every 20 minutes, Google Maps consumes 0.73 MB of data.
• Apple Maps uses 1.83 MB of data, more than Google Maps.
• In Standard Mode, it uses about 5 – 10 MB per hour on Android and iPhone.
• On average, Google Maps uses about 3-5 MB of data per hour for every ten miles.
• Average data usage is about 2.23 MB per hour when actively using maps(zooming, downloading areas, etc.).
• 500 KB – 1 MB of data is spent in the Map Mode by only opening Google Maps alone.
• Switching to Satellite Display demands more data usage, about 900 KB per hour.

Amount of Data Google Maps Use

Google Maps uses 0.73 MB of data per 20 minutes compared to Apple Maps, which uses 1.83 MB. It shows that Apple Maps uses more data than Google Maps, making the latter more cost-effective with data saving.

Additionally, the amount of data Google Maps uses depends on the operation mode. In Standard Mode, it uses about 5 – 10 MB every hour on Android and iPhone. When changed to Economy Mode, data usage reduces significantly.

Google Maps Data Usage Statistics

Google Maps data usage and consumption varies, depending on the user. On the app, data consumption differs due to the following:

• Satellite map display
• Daily activity
• Downloading offline maps of regions and cities
• Real-time traffic updates
• Zooming in and out or scrolling the map in different directions

Listed below are the statistics of Google Maps data usage depending on how you use it.

1. On average, Google Maps uses about 3-5 MB of data per hour for every ten miles.

(TheSun, Whistleout, CellularNews)

Google Maps data usage is often measured in MBs per hour, minute, or mile. The app uses about 3-5 MB of data per hour for every ten miles on mobile. To better understand how data consumption varies per usage, refer to the table below.

Usage	Data Consumption
Per Hour	5 MB
Per Minute	0.08 MB
Per Mile (10 mph)	0.5 MB

2. Average usage is about 2.23 MB per hour when actively using maps.

(MyGpsTools)

Like any other mobile navigator, Google Maps uses the internet to download maps. When actively using maps (zooming, downloading areas, etc.), the average web page load time is 2.23 MB per hour. 

3. Satellite view requires a minimum of 900 KB. 

(StarlinkHow, MyGpsTools, Devicetests)

500 KB – 1 MB of data is spent in the Map Mode when opening Google Maps and uploading a map of your location with a standard zoom. However, switching to Satellite Display Mode demands more data usage of about 900 KB per hour.

4. Google Maps takes approximately 450-500 hours to burn through 1GB of data.

(StarlinkHow, Allconnect)

On average, Google Maps uses around 2.19MB of data every hour you’re on the road. If you have a 1GB data cap, reaching your limit will take you over 457 hours of driving with Google Maps.

5. Data usage for an 8-hour use of Google Maps is 20 – 40 MB.

(MyGpsTools)

Every hour, Google Maps uses 2.5 to 5 MB. Data usage within 8 hours ranges between 20 and 40 MB. The way the software is used will still determine how this varies. 

Google Maps Revenue Statistics

As one of the most widespread navigation apps and the second most downloaded Google app, it earned a spot in the Google market share in revenue. 

Here are the latest and noteworthy revenue statistics of Google Maps today. 

6. By 2023, Google Maps’ revenue will reach $11 billion.

(YahooFinance)

Google Maps is estimated to earn more than $11 billion in revenue by 2023, making it a top-earning, reliable navigation app. Businesses also find the platform appealing for marketing, shop location promotion, and reviews, which aids in sustaining economic growth.

Additionally, Google Maps revenue from desktop local search ($1.23 billion) and mobile ($9.82 billion) is expected to increase by the end of 2023. 

7. In Q4 2021, 82 % of Google Maps’ revenue came from advertising alone

(FourWeekMBA)

Most of the company’s revenue is from advertisers promoting their businesses through Google Adwords. This means 82% ($61.2 billion) of total revenue came from advertising alone.

Google is focused on delivering top-notch ad services to its clients, adding to Google Maps’ target revenue.

8. Approximately Google Maps earn $4.3 billion a year.

(Simco)

Google Maps does not disclose how much revenue it generates annually. However, it is estimated to have at least $4.3 billion. This revenue comes from the ads and specific fees when using Google Maps API. Ads contribute $3.5 billion, while API contributes $0.8 billion.

Google Maps Web Usage By Country

The popularity of google maps is evident worldwide, as people across the globe rely on this web-based mapping service for various purposes. 

People prefer the app for data, familiarity, and speed. Google Maps also gives accurate directions, an excellent user interface and experience, and faster loading times.

Explore the fascinating insights into Google Maps’ web usage by country.

9. As of 2023, Google Maps is available in 220 countries. 

(EarthWeb)

With 1 billion users, Google Maps now covers 220 countries and territories. This number only shows how successful the platform is and the users’ trust in Google Maps’ ability to provide valuable service. 

10. Google Maps is one of France’s top 9 most popular apps as of May 2023.

(Similarweb)

The popularity of Google Maps with travelers brings it to the top spot of most popular apps in the four major countries in Europe, earning it the top 9 places in France and Germany as of May 2023. While top 8 in both the United Kingdom and Italy.

11. In 2022, with 9.12 million downloads, Google Maps was the most downloaded map and navigation app in the U.S.

(Gitnux)

In 2022, Google Maps dominated the navigation app market in the U.S. Its popularity makes it the top choice for millions of Americans. Additionally, Google Maps is  4th among all apps in the U.S., with a 56% smartphone penetration rate.

Conclusion

Travelers and users, in general, need to understand the data usage of Google Maps, especially when using it in areas with limited data. Awareness of how much data it uses helps users manage data usage effectively and avoid unexpected data depletion. 

Google Maps’ low data usage, unique features, and universal access make it the best navigation choice while keeping data usage in check.