Convert decimal degrees, DMS, and degrees-decimal-minutes in either direction, with latitude/longitude hemispheres, precision controls, and reverse checks.

Direction applies to the whole angle. Degrees and minutes must be whole numbers; minutes and seconds must be less than 60.

DMS magnitudes are positive with Signed angle. Select Negative angle for values below zero. For coordinates, enter a nonnegative magnitude.

Optional settings

Degrees Minutes Seconds Formula

The following formula is used to calculate total degrees from degrees, minutes, and seconds.

Degrees = sign × (D + M / 60 + S / 3600)
  • Where D is degrees
  • M is minutes
  • S is seconds

Use nonnegative whole degrees and arcminutes, and nonnegative arcseconds below 60. Add D + M/60 + S/3600, then apply the direction to the entire angle. South and west are negative; north and east are positive.

DMS Definition

DMS means degrees, arcminutes, and arcseconds. It is an angular notation used in navigation and other fields; it does not by itself determine a vessel’s movement or measurement accuracy.

How to calculate degrees from DMS?

How to calculate degrees from DMS?

  1. First, determine the number of whole degrees.

    Measure the number of whole degrees.

  2. Next, determine the number of minutes.

    Measure the number of minutes.

  3. Next, determine the number of seconds.

    Measure the number of seconds.

  4. Finally, calculate the exact degrees.

    Calculate the exact degrees using the formula above.

FAQ

What is DMS?

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. DMS and decimal degrees describe the same angle; neither notation guarantees greater accuracy. For example, 12.012359° is approximately 12° 0′ 44.49″.