# separation

> The distance between the colliders at the contact point.

## Definition

* **Type:** Property
* **Namespace:** [UnityEngine](/engine/6000.5/script-reference/unityengine.md)
* **Assembly:** UnityEngine.PhysicsModule

```csharp
public float separation { get; }
```

### Remarks

This value represents how far apart or interpenetrated the two colliders are at the time the contact was registered: •    A positive separation means the colliders are close but not touching, and the contact was generated in anticipation of a possible collision (due to contact offset thresholds). •    A zero separation means the colliders are just touching, with their surfaces in contact but not overlapping. •    A negative separation indicates that the colliders are overlapping — the more negative the value, the deeper the penetration at that point.

This property is useful for examining how close colliders are, measuring contact depth in overlaps, or fine-tuning collision responses. During the lifetime of a collision, the separation may fluctuate due to simulation corrections, contact offset values, or changes in relative motion.