The Coordinate Converter provided by Hesapstan converts latitude and longitude between degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS) and decimal degrees. It applies hemisphere, sign and geographic-boundary rules.
What does this converter do?
The calculator changes coordinate notation: DMS to decimal degrees or decimal degrees to DMS. It does not locate an address, display a map or determine the correct datum.
Latitude describes north-south position and ranges from -90 to 90. Longitude describes east-west position and ranges from -180 to 180.
DMS versus decimal degrees
DMS writes an angle as degrees, minutes and seconds. One degree contains 60 minutes and one minute contains 60 seconds. Decimal degrees express the same angle as a single decimal number.
- North and east are positive in decimal notation.
- South and west use negative decimal values.
- DMS mode uses N/S and E/W hemisphere selectors.
- Decimal mode accepts typed negative values and provides a mobile-safe ± control.
Converting DMS to decimal degrees
Use degrees + minutes ÷ 60 + seconds ÷ 3600. Apply a negative sign for south or west.
For example, 41° 00′ 30″ N becomes 41 + 0÷60 + 30÷3600 = 41.008333°. A longitude of 29° 00′ 00″ E remains 29.000000°.
Converting decimal degrees to DMS
The integer part of the absolute value is degrees. Multiply the remaining fraction by 60 to obtain minutes, then multiply the next fraction by 60 to obtain seconds. Seconds are rounded to two decimal places, with 60.00 carried into minutes.
Negative latitude becomes south and negative longitude becomes west. For example, -33.8688 latitude is approximately 33° 52′ 7.68″ S.
Valid limits and DMS input rules
- Degrees and minutes must be whole numbers in DMS mode; seconds may be decimal.
- Minutes must be 0–59 and seconds at least 0 but below 60.
- Latitude 90° is valid only with zero minutes and seconds.
- Longitude 180° is valid only with zero minutes and seconds.
- Decimal latitude must be -90 to 90 and longitude -180 to 180.
Latitude 90° 00′ 01″ and longitude 180° 00′ 01″ exceed valid geographic bounds and are rejected.
How to use the tool
- Choose DMS to decimal or decimal to DMS.
- Enter both latitude and longitude.
- Check hemisphere selectors in DMS mode or signs in decimal mode.
- Run the conversion.
- Before copying the pair, confirm the coordinate order required by the target application.
Notation conversion is not datum transformation
This tool changes how the same coordinate is written. It does not transform WGS 84 to another datum, convert UTM or MGRS, find addresses, reverse-geocode locations or let you pick a point on a map.
Accuracy and limitations
The output is the numerical equivalent of the value entered. An inaccurate source coordinate remains inaccurate after conversion. Surveying and official geospatial work require the correct datum and specialist tools.
This calculator displays latitude first and longitude second. Some software expects longitude first, so verify the required order before pasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert DMS to decimal degrees?
Add degrees, minutes divided by 60, and seconds divided by 3600. Make south and west values negative.
What do negative latitude and longitude mean?
Negative latitude is south of the equator; negative longitude is west of the Greenwich meridian.
Can degrees or minutes contain decimals in DMS mode?
No. This calculator requires whole degrees and whole minutes; seconds may contain decimals.
Why is 90 degrees a special latitude limit?
It is the pole. Adding minutes or seconds would exceed the valid ±90 latitude range.
Does the converter show the coordinate on a map?
No. It only converts DMS and decimal-degree notation.
Can it convert UTM or MGRS?
No. UTM, MGRS and datum transformations are outside this tool's scope.
Should latitude or longitude be written first?
This tool uses latitude, longitude order. Check the target application's required order before pasting.