Geographic Coordinate Converter

Convert between Decimal Degrees (DD) and Degrees, Minutes, Seconds (DMS).

Result
° ' 0" N, ° ' 0" E

Coordinates

Global Positioning System (GPS) uses coordinates to pinpoint locations. The two main formats are Decimal Degrees (DD) and Degrees, Minutes, Seconds (DMS).

1° = 60' (Minutes)
1' = 60" (Seconds)

How to read

  • Decimal Degrees (DD)

    Used by computers and Google Maps. Positive Latitude is North, Negative is South. Positive Longitude is East, Negative is West.
    Eg: 40.7128, -74.0060 (NYC)

  • DMS

    Used for navigation charts. Divided into 60 minutes and 60 seconds.
    Eg: 40° 42' 46" N, 74° 0' 21" W

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Pinpointing Any Location on Earth

Geographic coordinates are the universal language for describing location. Whether you're navigating with GPS, geocaching, plotting waypoints for a hike, or sharing a meeting spot, you need to understand coordinate formats.

Our converter instantly translates between Decimal Degrees (DD)—the format used by Google Maps and most apps—and Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS)—the traditional format used in aviation, maritime navigation, and surveying.

Decimal Degrees (DD)

The modern, computer-friendly format. Latitude and longitude are expressed as simple decimal numbers.

40.7128, -74.0060
(New York City)
  • • Positive latitude = North, Negative = South
  • • Positive longitude = East, Negative = West
  • • Range: Latitude -90 to 90, Longitude -180 to 180

Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS)

The traditional format, based on the sexagesimal (base-60) system. Each degree is divided into 60 minutes, each minute into 60 seconds.

40° 42' 46.08" N, 74° 0' 21.6" W
(New York City)
  • • ° = Degrees (whole number)
  • • ' = Minutes (1/60th of a degree)
  • • " = Seconds (1/60th of a minute)

Coordinate Precision & Distance

The number of decimal places in DD format directly affects precision:

1 Decimal Place
~11 km

Country or large region level.

2 Decimal Places
~1.1 km

Town or village level.

3 Decimal Places
~111 m

Neighborhood or street level.

4 Decimal Places
~11 m

Individual buildings, parcel level.

5 Decimal Places
~1.1 m

Individual trees, doorways.

6+ Decimal Places
~11 cm

Survey-grade precision.

🧭 The Conversion Formula

DMS → Decimal Degrees

DD = D + (M ÷ 60) + (S ÷ 3600)

Example: 40° 26' 46" = 40 + 0.4333 + 0.0128 = 40.446°

Decimal Degrees → DMS

D = floor(DD), M = floor((DD - D) × 60), S = remainder × 60

Example: 40.446° → 40° 26' 45.6"

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Geographic Coordinates?

Geographic coordinates are a system for specifying any location on Earth using two numbers: Latitude (north-south position, from -90° at the South Pole to +90° at the North Pole) and Longitude (east-west position, from -180° to +180° relative to the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, UK).

What is the difference between DD and DMS?

Decimal Degrees (DD) expresses coordinates as simple decimal numbers (e.g., 40.7128°, -74.0060°). Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS) uses the traditional sexagesimal system (e.g., 40° 42' 46" N, 74° 0' 22" W). DD is easier for computers; DMS is traditional for navigation.

How do I convert DMS to Decimal Degrees?

Use the formula: DD = Degrees + (Minutes / 60) + (Seconds / 3600). For example, 40° 26' 46" = 40 + (26/60) + (46/3600) = 40.446°. For South latitude or West longitude, make the result negative.

How do I convert Decimal Degrees to DMS?

Take the decimal degrees value. The whole number is the Degrees. Multiply the decimal part by 60 to get Minutes. Take the decimal part of minutes and multiply by 60 to get Seconds. Example: 40.446° → 40° + (0.446 × 60 = 26.76') → 40° 26' + (0.76 × 60 = 45.6") → 40° 26' 46".

What format does Google Maps use?

Google Maps primarily uses Decimal Degrees (DD) format. When you search or share a location, it typically displays coordinates like '40.7128, -74.0060'. However, you can also search using DMS format, and Google will understand it.

What is the Equator and Prime Meridian?

The Equator is the horizontal line at 0° latitude that divides Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The Prime Meridian is the vertical line at 0° longitude (passing through Greenwich, UK) that divides the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

What is UTM coordinate system?

UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) is a different coordinate system that divides the world into 60 zones. It uses meters for Easting and Northing instead of degrees. It's popular for local mapping and military applications because distances are easier to calculate.

How accurate is a GPS coordinate?

Accuracy depends on the decimal places. 1 decimal place (11 km), 3 decimal places (111 m), 5 decimal places (1.1 m), 7 decimal places (11 mm). Standard GPS receivers are accurate to about 3-5 meters under good conditions.

What does N, S, E, W mean in coordinates?

N (North) = positive latitude (above equator), S (South) = negative latitude (below equator), E (East) = positive longitude (east of Prime Meridian), W (West) = negative longitude (west of Prime Meridian). DMS format typically uses letters, while DD uses positive/negative signs.

Can I use GPS coordinates for geocaching?

Yes! Geocaching typically uses either DD or DMS format. Most geocaching apps accept both formats. Make sure your GPS device or app is set to the same format as the coordinates you're given to avoid confusion.