DMS to Decimal Degrees Converter
Convert degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS) to decimal degrees, or decimal degrees to DMS — edit either side and the other updates instantly. Works for latitude, longitude, bearings, and any generic angle.
Degrees, minutes, seconds
40° 26′ 46.32″ N
Decimal degrees
Converting between DMS and decimal degrees
Quick answer: To convert degrees-minutes-seconds to decimal degrees, use Decimal = Degrees + Minutes ÷ 60 + Seconds ÷ 3600, then apply a negative sign for South or West. To go the other way, take the decimal part of the degrees, multiply by 60 for minutes, then take the decimal part of that and multiply by 60 again for seconds.
Decimal degrees and DMS describe the exact same angle, just formatted differently. GPS receivers, GIS software, and most coordinate databases store latitude and longitude as decimal degrees because they’re simpler to compute with directly — no need to handle three separate fields or base-60 arithmetic. Surveying, aviation charts, and older maps more often use degrees-minutes-seconds, which reads more naturally when calling out a precise bearing or position by voice.
The most common conversion mistake is letting seconds or minutes round up to 60 without carrying the extra unit over — for example, displaying 5° 12′ 60.0″ instead of correctly carrying that to 5° 13′ 0.0″. This converter carries the value automatically so that never happens.
How many decimal places do you actually need?
| Decimal places | Precision at the equator | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ≈ 11.1 km | Country / large region |
| 2 | ≈ 1.11 km | City district |
| 3 | ≈ 111 m | Neighborhood block |
| 4 | ≈ 11.1 m | Parcel / building |
| 5 | ≈ 1.11 m | Individual tree, room |
| 6 | ≈ 0.11 m | Survey-grade positioning |
Longitude precision shrinks further from the equator as lines of longitude converge toward the poles; latitude precision stays roughly constant everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula to convert DMS to decimal degrees?
Decimal degrees = Degrees + (Minutes ÷ 60) + (Seconds ÷ 3600). Apply a negative sign to the result for South latitudes or West longitudes.
What is the formula to convert decimal degrees to DMS?
Take the whole number part as degrees. Multiply the remaining decimal by 60 — the whole number part of that is minutes. Multiply what’s left by 60 again to get seconds.
Why do GPS coordinates use decimal degrees instead of DMS?
Decimal degrees are easier to store, compare, and calculate with in software — a single number per coordinate rather than three separate fields with base-60 arithmetic, which is why most GPS devices, mapping apps, and databases default to it.
How do I know if a coordinate is latitude or longitude from the DMS alone?
Latitude is always between 0° and 90° and carries an N or S direction. Longitude is always between 0° and 180° and carries an E or W direction — the direction letter is the clearest signal.
Where does the negative sign go for South or West coordinates?
The sign applies to the whole decimal degree value, not to the individual minutes or seconds. Convert degrees, minutes and seconds as positive magnitudes first, then negate the final decimal result for South or West.
Can this converter handle bearings and angles that aren’t coordinates?
Yes. Selecting “Generic angle” removes the N/S/E/W labeling and uses a plain positive or negative sign, which works for bearings, azimuths, or any other angle expressed in degrees-minutes-seconds.
