Degrees Minutes Seconds Calculator
Convert between degrees minutes seconds (DMS) and decimal degrees format
Convert Angle Formats
Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS)
Range: -360 to 360
Range: 0 to 59
Range: 0 to 59.99
Decimal Degrees
Range: -360.000000 to 360.000000
Quick Examples
Example Conversions
Common Geographic Coordinates
New York City Latitude:
40° 42' 51" N = 40.7142° N
London Longitude:
0° 7' 39" W = -0.1275° W
Sydney Latitude:
33° 52' 8" S = -33.8689° S
Mathematical Examples
Right angle:
90° 0' 0" = 90.0000°
Half right angle:
45° 30' 0" = 45.5000°
Precise measurement:
67° 48' 25" = 67.8069°
Quick Reference
Angle Units
• 1° = 60' (minutes)
• 1' = 60" (seconds)
• 1° = 3,600" (seconds)
Symbols
• ° = Degrees
• ' = Minutes (arcminutes)
• " = Seconds (arcseconds)
Common Uses
• Geographic coordinates
• Navigation systems
• Surveying & mapping
• Astronomy observations
Conversion Tips
DMS format is more precise for navigation
Decimal degrees are easier for calculations
Minutes and seconds must be less than 60
Negative values indicate South/West directions
GPS systems typically use decimal degrees
Understanding Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS)
What is DMS Format?
Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS) is a traditional way to express angles, similar to how we express time in hours, minutes, and seconds. This format is particularly useful in navigation, surveying, and astronomy where precise angular measurements are crucial.
Why Use DMS?
- •More intuitive for precise measurements
- •Traditional format in navigation
- •Clearer representation of small angles
- •Standard in maritime and aviation
Conversion Formulas
DMS to Decimal Degrees
Decimal = Degrees + Minutes/60 + Seconds/3600
Decimal to DMS
1. Degrees = floor(|decimal|)
2. Minutes = floor((|decimal| - degrees) × 60)
3. Seconds = ((|decimal| - degrees) × 60 - minutes) × 60
Example Conversion
Convert 67° 48' 25" to decimal degrees:
67 + 48/60 + 25/3600 = 67 + 0.8 + 0.00694 = 67.80694°