Coordinate Converter
This coordinate converter turns decimal latitude and longitude into degrees, minutes and seconds (DMS), or DMS back into decimal degrees.
For general informational use. Verify critical aviation calculations and weather with an authoritative source.
Related guides
- Nautical Miles and Knots: one minute of latitude is one nautical mile, which links coordinates to distance
- The 1 in 60 Rule: estimating track error and corrections in navigation
Convert latitude and longitude between decimal and DMS
Geographic coordinates are commonly written as decimal degrees or as degrees, minutes and seconds (DMS). Aviation, mapping, GPS devices and documents may use either style. The coordinate converter helps move between the formats while preserving north/south and east/west direction. Valid latitude and longitude ranges are checked to reduce accidental impossible coordinates.
How to use it
- Enter the latitude and longitude in the format requested by the tool.
- Choose or identify the source format and direction signs.
- Convert to the alternate coordinate representation.
- Check N/S and E/W carefully before copying the result.
Method and calculation
To convert decimal degrees to DMS, the whole-number part is degrees. The decimal remainder multiplied by 60 gives minutes; the remaining fractional minute multiplied by 60 gives seconds. Negative latitude normally means south and negative longitude means west. The reverse conversion is degrees + minutes/60 + seconds/3600 with the appropriate sign.
Worked example and practical notes
A longitude of 55.5000° E becomes 55° 30′ 00″ E. A coordinate of 24° 30′ 00″ N becomes 24.5° N. Reversing E and W or dropping a negative sign can move a point thousands of kilometres, so directional notation matters.
Accuracy and practical tips
Latitude must be between −90 and +90 degrees and longitude between −180 and +180 degrees. Coordinate formats can also include degrees and decimal minutes, which is different from both full decimal degrees and DMS. Confirm the format expected by the receiving system.
The tool uses standard angular relationships of 60 minutes per degree and 60 seconds per minute.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Frequently asked questions
What does a negative latitude mean?
Negative latitude normally indicates south of the equator.
What does a negative longitude mean?
Negative longitude normally indicates west of the prime meridian.
How are DMS seconds calculated?
After degrees and minutes are taken, the remaining fractional minute is multiplied by 60.
Why should I check direction letters?
Changing N to S or E to W can move a coordinate to a completely different part of the world.