Total distance (roadbook)

In a rally roadbook, each box shows a total distance, usually as the largest number on the left. It is the cumulative distance from the start of the stage or section to that point, normally given in kilometres with two decimals.

You compare it with the total on your trip meter (often an ICO-type unit). The smaller partial distance shows the distance from the previous box, which helps you judge how far the next instruction is.

Tyre size, wheelspin and detours cause the trip meter to drift. Correct it at clearly identifiable landmarks so your total matches the roadbook again. Most navigation errors start from an unnoticed difference of a few hundred metres.