How to Use Google’s Mileage Tracker to Track Your Mileage

Tracking mileage is essential for various purposes, whether you’re a business owner looking to deduct expenses for tax purposes or an individual trying to keep tabs on your personal driving expenses. Google provides a handy mileage tracker that can help streamline this process, saving you time and ensuring accurate records. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to use Google’s mileage tracker effectively.

Setting Up Google’s Mileage Tracker

Before you track mileage for business purposes with Google, you need to set up the system. Here’s how to get started:

• Access Google Maps: Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone or visit maps.google.com on your computer.
• Sign in to Your Google Account: Ensure you are signed in to your Google account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it.
• Open the Menu: Click on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner (known as the “hamburger menu”).
• Select “Your Timeline”: From the menu, choose “Your Timeline.”
• Turn On Location Services: If not already enabled, Google will prompt you to turn on location services to track your location accurately.

The intuitive interface allows for quick and easy data entry, making it a go-to tool for busy individuals always on the move. Whether you’re a freelancer, salesperson, or just someone who wants to keep track of their driving, Google’s Mileage Tracker is an indispensable tool that lets you focus on your work, rather than the administration that comes with it.

Keeping track of mileage for business or tax purposes can be a hassle, but with Google’s Mileage Tracker, it’s as easy as a few taps on your phone. So why not simplify your life and set up Google’s Mileage Tracker today?

Tracking Mileage

Once you’ve set up Google’s Mileage Tracker, you can start recording your mileage.

1. Track a Single Trip

To track a single trip, follow these steps:

• Open Google Maps.
• Tap the blue dot that represents your current location on the map.
• Select “Save your parking” (even if you’re not parking) and enter a name for your trip.
• Your trip will be saved, and you can access it later for details on distance and time.

2. Track Multiple Trips

For more comprehensive mileage tracking, use the following steps:

• Open Google Maps.
• Tap the “Your Timeline” button from the hamburger menu.
• Scroll through your timeline to find specific trips.
• Tap on a trip to view more details, including distance and time.

Exporting Mileage Data

Google’s Mileage Tracker does not provide an explicit export feature, but you can easily access your mileage data for record-keeping purposes.

• Access Your Timeline: Open Google Maps and click on the hamburger menu.
• Choose “Your Timeline”: This will show a chronological list of your trips.
• Select a Trip: Click on the trip you want to export data for.
• Record Mileage: Make a note of the mileage data, including the starting and ending locations, dates, and distances.
• Manually Record the Data: You can manually enter this information into a spreadsheet or mileage tracking app for further organization.

Managing Mileage Data

To effectively manage your mileage data using Google Mileage Tracker, consider creating a simple spreadsheet. Here’s how you can set it up:

Mileage Tracking Spreadsheet

Conclusion

Google’s Mileage Tracker offers a convenient way to track your mileage for various purposes, from tax deductions to personal expense management. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can efficiently use Google Maps to record, access, and manage your mileage data. Remember to regularly update your mileage tracking spreadsheet to maintain accurate records, which will prove invaluable when it comes to financial planning and tax season.