Convert from DMS to Decimal to DMS - Converter Calculator

These calculators permit us to convert between decimal degrees and degrees, minutes, and seconds (sexagesimal).

Sexagesimal to Decimal

Please type the sexagesimal (DMS) value:

Deg°  Min'  Sec" 

Decimal value:

Decimal to Sexagesimal

Please type the decimal value:

Sexagesimal (DMS) value:

Deg°  Min'  Sec" 

Learn how to convert from decimal degrees to sexagesimal degrees and vice-versa

1 - How to convert from decimal degrees to sexagesimal degrees

Supose you have 142.57° in decimal and you need to convert to the more common degrees, minutes, and seconds (142°34'12"). What you need is called conversion from the decimal to the sexagesimal system.

Step by Step - Conversion Process

  • 1 - The integer part of degrees remains the same (in this example for 142.57° longitude, start with 142°).
  • 2 - Multiply the decimal part by 60 (i.e. .57 * 60 = 34.2).
  • 3 - The integer part becomes the minutes (34').
  • 4 - Take the new decimal part and multiply by 60. (i.e. .2 * 60 = 12). The resulting number becomes the seconds (12")
  • 5 - Assembly the new number by putting them together, using the symbols for degrees (°), minutes (‘), and seconds (") (i.e. 142°34'12")

Now try to use our converter at the top of this page and you'll find that it's very easy accomplish this task.

2 - How to convert from sexagesimal degrees to decimal degrees

Step by Step - Conversion Process

Supose you have the same value of the previous example: 142°34'12".

To convert this value to decimal degrees follow the steps below:

  • 1 - The integer part of degrees remains the same (i.e. 142).
  • 2 - Divide the minutes by 60 (i.e. 34/60 = 0.56666666...).
  • 3 - Divide the seconds by 3600 (i.e. 12/3600 = 0.00333333...).
  • 4 - Sum the two values above to get the fractional part (i.e. 0.56666666... + 0.00333333... ~ 0.57).
  • 5 - The final result will be 142 + 0.57 = 142.57 degrees in decimal format.

In short: Decimal degrees = whole number of degrees, plus minutes divided by 60, plus seconds divided by 3600.

Now try to use our converter at the top of this page and you'll find that it's very easy accomplish this task.

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