GPS Coordinate Converter (DD, DMS, DDM)

Convert coordinates between decimal degrees, DMS and DDM instantly.

Input Coordinates

Range: -90 to 90

Range: -180 to 180

Format Examples

Decimal Degrees (DD)

40.7128, -74.0060

Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS)

40° 42' 46.08" N, 74° 0' 21.6" W

Degrees Decimal Minutes (DDM)

40° 42.768' N, 74° 0.36' W

Usage Instructions

  1. Select your input coordinate format from the dropdown
  2. Enter your coordinates in the appropriate fields
  3. Click "Convert" to see results in all formats
  4. Use the copy buttons to copy specific formats
  5. View the location on the interactive map

Tip: All conversions maintain high precision to ensure accuracy for navigation and mapping applications.

How to Convert DMS to Decimal Degrees

Formula: DD = degrees + (minutes ÷ 60) + (seconds ÷ 3600). Make the result negative for S or W.

Example: 40° 42′ 46.08″ N → 40 + 42/60 + 46.08/3600 = 40 + 0.7 + 0.0128 = 40.7128.

How to Convert Decimal Degrees to DMS

  • Degrees = the whole number (40.7128 → 40°).
  • Minutes = decimal part × 60 (0.7128 × 60 = 42.768 → 42′).
  • Seconds = remaining decimal × 60 (0.768 × 60 = 46.08″).
  • Add N/S for latitude or E/W for longitude based on the sign.

How to Convert DDM to Decimal Degrees

Formula: DD = degrees + (decimal minutes ÷ 60). Example: 74° 0.360′ W → 74 + 0.360/60 = 74.006 → −74.0060 (west is negative).

Other Coordinate Systems: UTM, MGRS and Plus Codes

  • UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) divides the world into 60 zones, each 6° of longitude wide, between 80° S and 84° N, and gives positions as easting and northing in meters.
  • MGRS (Military Grid Reference System) is based on UTM and used by NATO forces and search-and-rescue teams; it writes a position as a grid zone, 100 km square and numeric easting/northing.
  • Plus Codes (Open Location Code) are short alphanumeric codes created by Google for places without street addresses.

This converter doesn’t support UTM/MGRS/Plus Codes yet -- noted here as a planned addition, since real search demand exists for “easting/northing” and Plus Code conversions.

Common Conversion Mistakes

  • Mixing up minutes and decimal minutes -- 40° 42.5′ is not the same as 40° 42′ 50″ (it is 40° 42′ 30″).
  • Dropping the minus sign -- −74.006 and 74.006 are on opposite sides of the world.
  • Swapping latitude and longitude -- latitude must be between −90 and 90.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert DMS to decimal degrees?

Add degrees + minutes/60 + seconds/3600, then make it negative for south or west. Or enter the DMS value above and press Convert.

Which coordinate format does Google Maps use?

Google Maps shows and accepts decimal degrees (e.g. 40.7128, −74.0060) and also accepts DMS typed into the search box.

How many decimal places should I use?

Five decimal places (about 1 m) is enough for most purposes; six gives about 10 cm.

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

N and S show whether a latitude is north or south of the equator; E and W show whether a longitude is east or west of the prime meridian. In decimal degrees, S and W are written as negative numbers.