diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/patches.py b/lib/matplotlib/patches.py
index 87c2942917c3..92dc55940b8a 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/patches.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/patches.py
@@ -1660,9 +1660,6 @@ def get_corners(self):
         return self.get_patch_transform().transform(
             [(-1, -1), (1, -1), (1, 1), (-1, 1)])
 
-    def _calculate_length_between_points(self, x0, y0, x1, y1):
-        return np.sqrt((x1 - x0)**2 + (y1 - y0)**2)
-
     def get_vertices(self):
         """
         Return the vertices coordinates of the ellipse.