Degrees Minutes Seconds to Decimal Degrees Converter

Convert coordinates from Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS) format to Decimal Degrees (DD) format, commonly used in mapping, navigation, and geolocation applications.

Input Parameters (DMS)

Calculation Results

Decimal Degrees (DD)

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Calculation Formula

DD = Degrees + (Minutes/60) + (Seconds/3600)

Where:
DD = Decimal Degrees result
Degrees = Degrees input
Minutes = Minutes input
Seconds = Seconds input

Explanation

Enter coordinates in DMS format and click "Calculate" to convert to decimal degrees.

Degrees Minutes Seconds to Decimal Degrees Converter Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Degrees Minutes Seconds to Decimal Degrees Converter calculator and its working principles

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the Degrees value (integer part of your location)
  2. Enter the Minutes value (the decimal portion of your location)
  3. Enter the Seconds value (the smallest decimal portion of your location)
  4. Select the Direction (North/South or East/West)
  5. Click the "Calculate" button to convert to Decimal Degrees

Understanding the Formats

Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS) is an angular measurement system that predates the decimal system. It divides a circle into 360 degrees, each degree into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds.

Decimal Degrees (DD) is a more modern system that represents the same angular measurement as DMS but in decimal format, making it more convenient for digital systems. The conversion formula is:

DD = Degrees + (Minutes/60) + (Seconds/3600)

Example

If you have coordinates 40° 26' 46" N, the calculation would be:

  1. Degrees = 40
  2. Minutes = 26
  3. Seconds = 46
  4. Direction = N (positive)

DD = 40 + (26/60) + (46/3600) = 40.446111°

Common Applications

This converter is useful for:

  • Geographic coordinates conversion
  • Navigation and mapping applications
  • Astronomy calculations
  • GPS data interpretation