Convert decimal degrees, DMS, and degrees-decimal-minutes in either direction, with latitude/longitude hemispheres, precision controls, and reverse checks.
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Degrees Minutes Seconds Formula
The following formula is used to calculate total degrees from degrees, minutes, and seconds.
- Where D is degrees
- M is minutes
- S is seconds
To calculate degrees from degrees, minutes and seconds, add the degrees to the minutes over 60 and the seconds over 3600.
DMS Definition
DMS is short for degrees/minutes/seconds, and it is used in nautical fields to determine the exact direction and movement of a sea-fearing vessel.
How to calculate degrees from DMS?
How to calculate degrees from DMS?
- First, determine the number of whole degrees.
Measure the number of whole degrees.
- Next, determine the number of minutes.
Measure the number of minutes.
- Next, determine the number of seconds.
Measure the number of seconds.
- Finally, calculate the exact degrees.
Calculate the exact degrees using the formula above.
FAQ
DMS is short for the term degrees-minutes-seconds. It’s used most often in nautical situations where a direction is trying to be described. Since accuracy is very important degrees minutes seconds are used instead of the decimal for of degrees. For example, 12.012359 degrees is a lot more difficult to say and remember than something like 12 degrees, 6 minutes, 4 seconds.
