Ultrasonic Distance Measurement Using Arduino Uno (Step-by-Step Guide)

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 Ultrasonic distance measurement


 Introduction

In this project, we will measure the distance to an object using the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor with the Arduino Uno.

The ultrasonic sensor sends out high-frequency sound waves and calculates the time taken for the echo to return. Using this time, the Arduino calculates the distance and displays it on the Serial Monitor.

This project can be easily simulated in Tinkercad.

 Components Required (Tinkercad)

  • Arduino UNO

  • HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor

  • Breadboard

  • Jumper wires

 Step-by-Step Circuit Connections

Step 1: Connect Power Pins

  • VCC → 5V

  • GND → GND

Step 2: Connect Control Pins

  • TRIG → Digital Pin 9

  • ECHO → Digital Pin 10

 How the Ultrasonic Sensor Works

  1. The TRIG pin sends a 10-microsecond pulse.

  2. The sensor emits ultrasonic sound waves (40 kHz).

  3. The waves bounce off an object and return.

  4. The ECHO pin stays HIGH for the time taken.

  5. Arduino measures this time using pulseIn().

  6. Distance is calculated using:

Distance=Time×Speed of Sound2Distance = \frac{Time \times Speed\ of\ Sound}{2}

Speed of sound ≈ 0.034 cm/µs

 Arduino Code

int trigPin = 9;
int echoPin = 10;

long duration;
float distance;

void setup() {
  pinMode(trigPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(echoPin, INPUT);
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {

  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);

  digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(10);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);

  duration = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);

  distance = duration * 0.034 / 2;

  Serial.print("Distance: ");
  Serial.print(distance);
  Serial.println(" cm");

  delay(500);
}

 Example Output

If an object is placed 20 cm away, the Serial Monitor will display:

Distance: 20.00 cm

 Learning Outcomes

Students will understand:

  • Working principle of ultrasonic sensors

  • Time-of-flight measurement

  • Using pulseIn() function

  • Distance calculation using sound velocity

  • Serial communication in Arduino

 Applications

  • Obstacle detection robot

  • Smart parking system

  • Distance measuring device

  • Automatic door opening system

  • Water level monitoring

 Troubleshooting Tips

  • Ensure TRIG and ECHO pins are not swapped.

  • Keep object within 2cm–400cm range.

  • Check Serial Monitor baud rate (9600).

  • Ensure stable 5V supply.


Code:


 Components Required in Tinkercad:

  1. Arduino UNO

  2. HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor

  3. Breadboard

  4. Jumper wires

 




Try it in tinker cad:Ultra sonic distance measurement

BEGINNER PROJECTS (Foundation Skills)

  1. Ultrasonic Distance Measurement
  2. Traffic Light Simulation with 7-Segment Display
  3. 7-Segment Display Counter
  4. Kids Piano Circuit (8-Key Version)
  5. 16×2 LCD Display with Text Output
  6. LCD I2C to Arduino UNO
  7. Temperature Measurement using Arduino UNO
  8. LDR Controlled Street Light

INTERMEDIATE PROJECTS (Build Your Skills)

  1. Servo Motor Control Using Potentiometer
  2. DC Motor Speed Control
  3. Temperature Controlled Fan
  4. PIR Based Theft Alert System
  5. LPG Gas Leakage Detection System
  6. Automatic Door Locking System
  7. Soil Moisture Based Automatic Watering System
  8. Simple Digital Clock using Arduino UNO
  9. Automatic Voting Machine (EVM)
  10. Joystick Control using Arduino Uno
  11. RGB Lamp Control using Arduino Uno

    ADVANCED PROJECTS (Master Level)

    1. Home Automation Using Arduino UNO
    2. Bluetooth RC Car using Arduino Uno
    3. Obstacle Avoiding Robot
    4. Line Follower Robot
    5. Radar System Using Arduino UNO
    6. Automatic Parking System
    7. Bi-Directional People Counter using Arduino Uno 
    8. Automatic Plant Watering System
    9. NeoPixel LED Ring Control using Arduino Uno
    10. Smart Gloves for Bedridden People

      ROBOTICS & MOTION PROJECTS

      1. RC Car Using L293D Motor Driver
      2. Robot Arm and Leg Control Using Servo
      3. Smart Irrigation System using Arduino Uno

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