I have a set of points I want to plot on an embedded Google Map (API v3). I'd like the bounds to accommodate all points unless the zoom level is too low (i.e., zoomed out too much). My approach has been like this:

var bounds = new google.maps.LatLngBounds();

// extend bounds with each point

gmap.fitBounds(bounds); 
gmap.setZoom( Math.max(6, gmap.getZoom()) );

This doesn't work. The last line "gmap.setZoom()" doesn't change the zoom level of the map if called directly after fitBounds.

Is there a way to get the zoom level of a bounds without applying it to the map? Other ideas to solve this?