Coordinate Format Converter
Convert a decimal degree coordinate into degrees, minutes, and seconds (DMS) format. Use this when entering coordinates into GPS devices, maps, or navigation tools that require DMS notation.
About this calculator
Geographic coordinates are commonly expressed in two formats: decimal degrees (DD) and degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS). To convert from decimal degrees to DMS, the whole number portion becomes the degrees. The remaining fractional part is multiplied by 60 to get the minutes, with the whole number of that result used as the minutes value. The remaining fraction is again multiplied by 60 to yield the seconds. The formula is: D = floor(dd), M = floor((dd mod 1) × 60), S = round(((dd mod 1) × 60 mod 1) × 60). For example, 40.7128° becomes 40° 42′ 46″. This format is standard in traditional cartography, surveying, and many GPS receivers.
How to use
Suppose you have the coordinate 48.8583° (the Eiffel Tower's latitude). Step 1 — Degrees: floor(48.8583) = 48°. Step 2 — Minutes: (0.8583 × 60) = 51.498, so floor = 51′. Step 3 — Seconds: (0.498 × 60) = 29.88, rounded to 30″. Result: 48° 51′ 30″. Enter your decimal degree value in the field above and the calculator performs all three steps instantly, giving you a ready-to-use DMS coordinate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between decimal degrees and degrees minutes seconds format?
Decimal degrees express a geographic coordinate as a single floating-point number, such as 51.5074° for London's latitude. Degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS) breaks that same value into three components — whole degrees, whole minutes (1/60 of a degree), and seconds (1/60 of a minute). DMS is the traditional format used in paper maps, nautical charts, and many older GPS units, while decimal degrees are preferred in digital systems and spreadsheets. Both formats represent exactly the same location on Earth.
How do I convert decimal degrees to degrees minutes seconds manually?
Start by taking the whole number part of your decimal degree value as the degrees. Multiply the decimal remainder by 60; the whole number of that result is your minutes. Multiply the new decimal remainder by 60 again to get seconds. For instance, 33.4567° gives degrees = 33, minutes = floor(0.4567 × 60) = 27, seconds = round(0.402 × 60) = 24, yielding 33° 27′ 24″. This calculator automates all three steps so you avoid arithmetic errors.
When should I use DMS format instead of decimal degrees for coordinates?
Use DMS when your target device or application explicitly requires it — common examples include handheld GPS receivers, aviation charts, and traditional topographic maps. DMS is also the standard notation in legal land surveys and many international mapping standards. If you are working in GIS software, databases, or programming APIs such as Google Maps, decimal degrees are generally preferred because they are easier to store and compute with. Always check the format your destination system expects before entering coordinates.