Low complexity distance metrics for maximum likelihood receivers

Systems and methods are provided for determining a data value for a bit of interest in a received data signal. A closest 0-bit symbol candidate is selected from a plurality of 0-bit symbol candidates using a symbol selection distance approximation. A closest 1-bit symbol candidate is selected from a plurality of 1-bit symbol candidates using the symbol selection distance approximation. A 0-bit distance between the received data signal and the selected 0-bit symbol candidate is determined, and a 1-bit distance between the received data signal and the selected 1-bit symbol candidate is determined. A log likelihood ratio is calculated for the bit of interest using the determined 0-bit distance and the determined 1-bit distance.