Free Degrees to Minutes Converter

°

Quick Reference

1° = 60' (arcminutes)
1' = 60″ (arcseconds)
1° = 3600″

1° = 60'

Enter degrees to convert in real time

This free online angle conversion tool is designed to convert degrees to minutes of arc (also called arcminutes) quickly and accurately. Whether you work with decimal degrees or whole numbers, the calculator handles the conversion instantly, making it a handy resource for professionals and students in navigation, astronomy, surveying, and related disciplines.

Understanding Minutes of Arc

An arcminute (abbreviated as arcmin or denoted by the prime symbol ′) is an angular measurement equal to 160\frac{1}{60} of one degree. It is most commonly encountered in geographic coordinate systems (latitude/longitude) and when measuring small angles in the sky. For instance, the apparent diameter of the Moon is roughly 3030 arcminutes.

Simple Conversion Formula

The mathematics behind converting degrees to arcminutes is linear and straightforward:

arcminutes=degrees×60 \text{arcminutes} = \text{degrees} \times 60

Thus, to obtain the arcminute equivalent, you simply multiply the number of degrees by 60. Conversely, to go from arcminutes back to degrees, you divide by 60.

Worked Examples

  • Whole degrees: 45∘45^{\circ} converts to 45×60=2700′45 \times 60 = 2700'.
  • Decimal degrees: 0.75∘0.75^{\circ} converts to 0.75×60=45′0.75 \times 60 = 45'.
  • Mixed example: 2.5∘=2.5×60=150′2.5^{\circ} = 2.5 \times 60 = 150'.

The conversion is exact, so fractional degrees produce fractional arcminutes.

Using the Converter

Enter any angle value in the degrees input field. The tool automatically calculates and displays the result in arcminutes. The interface also allows you to switch between angular units (e.g., starting from arcminutes or other common units), offering flexibility for various conversion needs. The calculator supports both integer and decimal inputs, ensuring precise results for any magnitude.

Typical Conversion Table

Degrees (°)Arcminutes (′)
160
15900
301,800
905,400
18010,800

Why Divide by 60?

Because one degree contains 60 arcminutes, any conversion between the two units relies on the factor 60. Understanding this relationship simplifies angle conversion tasks in everyday calculations, whether you are adjusting telescope settings, reading maps, or solving geometry problems.

Free Online Angle Converter

This tool is a true free angle conversion tool — accessible from any device with an internet connection. It eliminates the need for manual multiplication and reduces the risk of error. Whether you need to convert degrees to arcminutes for academic homework, professional survey data, or recreational astronomy, the converter delivers reliable results in seconds.

FAQ

1. What is the formula for converting degrees to arcminutes?

Multiply the number of degrees by 60. The relationship is: arcminutes = degrees × 60.

2. Can this converter handle decimal degrees?

Yes, it accepts decimal degrees as well as whole numbers. For example, 0.75° converts to 45 arcminutes.

3. How many arcminutes are in one degree?

There are 60 arcminutes in one degree. This is because an arcminute is defined as 1/60 of a degree.

4. Where are arcminutes commonly used in practical applications?

Arcminutes appear frequently in latitude/longitude coordinates, telescope pointing, astronomy (e.g., the Moon's diameter is about 30 arcmin), and surveying.

5. Is the conversion from degrees to arcminutes exact or approximate?

The conversion is exact because the factor 60 is a fixed integer. Decimal degrees yield exact decimal arcminutes with no rounding error.

How to Use

  1. Enter the angle value in decimal degrees (e.g., 1.5 for one and a half degrees).
  2. Click the Convert button to instantly convert degrees to arcminutes.
  3. Use the result for your astronomy, navigation, surveying, or geographic projects.