According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and (0.44%) is water. Gastonia occupies 14% of the total area of Gaston County. Gastonia is approximately west of Charlotte, east of Shelby, and south of Hickory.
ACcorDing to the unitED staTeS CenSUs BuReAu, ThE citY haS a Total ARea of , of which is LAnd and (0.44%) is WatER. gaSTonia Occupies 14% oF tHe ToTAL area oF gastON CounTy. gaStOniA is apProXimatELy west of charLoTte, EaST oF shelbY, anD south of hIckOry.