Calculation result
Formula used
Calculation steps
DMS to decimal degrees
Enter degrees, minutes, seconds, and an optional direction.
Degrees and decimal minutes to decimal degrees
Convert navigation-style DDM coordinates into signed decimal degrees.
Decimal degrees to DMS and DDM
Convert a signed decimal angle into multiple coordinate formats.
Smart coordinate parser
Paste common DMS, DDM, decimal, colon-separated, or directional formats.
Latitude and longitude coordinate pair
Convert a full DMS pair into mapping, GeoJSON, and WKT formats.
Latitude
Longitude
Batch coordinate converter
Enter one coordinate per line, or import a CSV or TSV file.
Precision and result settings
Recent conversion history
History stays in this browser and is not sent to a database.
Saved favorite coordinates
Favorites can be restored into the result panel.
Example conversions
| Degrees | Minutes | Seconds | Direction | Decimal degrees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 26 | 46 | N | 40.446111 |
| 79 | 58 | 56 | W | −79.982222 |
| 51 | 30 | 26 | N | 51.507222 |
| 0 | 7 | 39 | W | −0.127500 |
Formula used
To convert degrees, minutes, and seconds into decimal degrees, divide minutes by sixty. Divide seconds by three thousand six hundred. Add both values to the degree value.
South and west coordinates are negative. A negative degree value also makes the final result negative. Conflicting signs and directions should be corrected before conversion.
How to use this calculator
- Select the conversion mode that matches your coordinate.
- Enter the available degree, minute, second, or decimal values.
- Choose latitude, longitude, or a general angle when needed.
- Select a direction for geographic coordinates.
- Set decimal precision and rounding preferences.
- Press the conversion button and review each displayed format.
- Copy, print, save, share, or download the result.
Understanding degrees and decimals
Angles often use degrees, minutes, and seconds. One degree contains sixty minutes. One minute contains sixty seconds. This base-sixty structure is common in surveying, navigation, mapping, astronomy, and geographic information systems.
Decimal degrees express the entire angle as one number. They work well in spreadsheets, databases, maps, GPS devices, and programming tools. Six decimal places provide fine geographic detail, although the real accuracy still depends on the original measurement.
Latitude and longitude signs
North latitude and east longitude are normally positive. South latitude and west longitude are normally negative. Direction letters improve readability, while signed values improve data processing. This calculator produces both forms.
DMS, DDM, and decimal degrees
DMS uses degrees, whole minutes, and seconds. DDM uses degrees and decimal minutes. Decimal degrees use one signed number. Each format represents the same angle when conversion and rounding are handled correctly.
Coordinate precision
Additional decimal places suggest greater positional detail. They do not repair inaccurate source coordinates. Preserve enough digits for your task, then document any rounding used in reports or exported files.
Common conversion mistakes
Minutes and seconds must normally stay below sixty. South and west signs are often forgotten. Latitude cannot exceed ninety degrees. Longitude cannot exceed one hundred eighty degrees. GeoJSON also places longitude before latitude.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert DMS to decimal degrees?
Divide minutes by 60 and seconds by 3600. Add both results to the degree value. Apply a negative sign for south or west coordinates.
Are west and south coordinates negative?
Yes. West longitude and south latitude are represented with negative decimal values. East and north values are usually positive.
Can minutes or seconds equal 60?
Standard notation keeps each value below 60. Enable normalization to carry 60 minutes into one degree or 60 seconds into one minute.
How many decimal places should GPS coordinates use?
Five or six decimal places suit many mapping tasks. More digits may preserve source data but do not guarantee matching real-world accuracy.
What is the difference between DMS and DDM?
DMS uses degrees, minutes, and seconds. DDM uses degrees and decimal minutes. Both can be converted into the same decimal-degree value.
Can latitude and longitude be converted together?
Yes. Coordinate-pair mode validates both values and creates decimal, DMS, DDM, GeoJSON, WKT, and map-ready formats.
Why does rounding slightly change a location?
Every removed decimal digit reduces coordinate detail. Keep sufficient precision for the intended map scale, survey, or navigation task.
Can decimal degrees exceed 360?
General angles can exceed 360 degrees. Use normalization to convert them into a standard 0–360 or −180–180 range.