Enter the degrees, minutes, and seconds of an angle into the calculator. The DMS calculator will return the total angle value in degrees.

Degrees Minutes Seconds Formula

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

Degrees = D + M/60 + S/3600
  • 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?

  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. 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.