Free Coordinates Converter

Introduction to the GPS Coordinate Format Converter

The Coordinates Converter is a free online tool designed to help you convert latitude and longitude coordinates between three common formats: Decimal Degrees (DD), Degrees, Minutes, Seconds (DMS), and Degrees, Decimal Minutes (DDM). Whether you're a surveyor, a traveler, or a GIS specialist, this GPS coordinates converter simplifies the process of transforming coordinate values with accuracy and speed. It acts as both a latitude longitude converter and a DMS to decimal degrees calculator, all in one.

Latitude and Longitude: The Basics

Any location on Earth can be pinpointed using a geographic coordinate system that references the planet's spherical shape. The system is defined by two angular measurements: latitude and longitude.

Latitude measures how far north or south a point is from the Equator. It is expressed as an angle from the equatorial plane to a line from the Earth's center to the point on the surface. Latitude values range from 0° at the Equator to 90° at the poles. The lines of latitude are often called parallels and they run parallel to the Equator.

Longitude, on the other hand, indicates an east–west position relative to the Prime Meridian (the line passing through Greenwich, England). Longitude values span from 0° to 180° east or west. The lines of longitude, known as meridians, converge at the poles and are all approximately the same length (about 12,430 miles or 20,004 km). Together, latitude and longitude define a unique coordinate pair for every point on the globe.

How to Write Coordinates

When writing coordinates, the standard convention is to list the latitude first, followed by longitude. To avoid confusion, symbols are sometimes used: φ (phi) for latitude and λ (lambda) for longitude. Three widely used formats are:

• DD (Decimal Degrees): e.g., 40.748417, -73.985833
• DMS (Degrees, Minutes, Seconds): e.g., 40° 44′ 54.3″ N, 73° 59′ 9″ W
• DDM (Degrees, Decimal Minutes): e.g., 33° 51.5167′ S, 151° 12.8500′ E

Cardinal directions can be indicated by letters (N/S/E/W) or by positive/negative signs. Generally, for DD format, negative numbers are common (e.g., -73.985833 for western longitudes). In DMS and DDM, letters are typically used and the numeric values are always positive.

Let's look at two iconic landmarks:

Note: The degree (°), minute (′), and second (″) symbols are optional; spaces can separate the numbers.

Converting Between Formats

DMS to DD (or DDM to DD)

Since one degree equals 60 minutes and one minute equals 60 seconds, a degree contains 3600 seconds. Therefore, to convert DMS to decimal degrees, use:

For example, the Empire State Building's DMS coordinates (40° 44′ 54.3″ N, 73° 59′ 9″ W) become:

• Latitude: $40 + \frac{44}{60} + \frac{54.3}{3600} = 40.748417$ (positive N)
• Longitude: $73 + \frac{59}{60} + \frac{9}{3600} = 73.985833$ (but because it's West, we use negative: -73.985833)

For DDM, the formula is simply $DD = \text{Degrees} + \frac{\text{Decimal Minutes}}{60}$.

DD to DMS or DDM

Converting decimal degrees to DMS or DDM follows a three‑step process:

1. Degrees: The integer part of the decimal number.
2. Minutes: Multiply the remaining decimal by 60. The integer part of this result gives minutes (for DMS) or the whole number gives decimal minutes (for DDM).
3. Seconds: For DMS, take the leftover decimal from step 2 and multiply by 60 to obtain seconds.

For instance, converting Sydney Opera House's DD latitude (-33.858611 S) to DMS:

• Degrees: 33° (south, so S)
• Minutes: $0.858611 \times 60 = 51.51666$ → minutes = 51′
• Seconds: $0.51666 \times 60 = 31″$ (approx.)

Thus the DMS latitude is $33° 51′ 31″ S$. The same steps apply to longitude.

To get DDM directly, stop after step 2 and use the result as decimal minutes: $33° 51.5167′ S$.

Free and Accurate Conversion at Your Fingertips

This free coordinate format converter handles all the calculations automatically. Whether you need DD to DDM conversion or a DMS to decimal degrees calculator, the tool delivers instant results. It also supports batch processing and works directly in your browser – no download required. Perfect for hikers, pilots, geographers, or anyone who works with GPS data.