GPS coordinates show up in two very different-looking formats — a clean signed decimal like 40.6892, or a compound “40° 41’ 21.12" N” — and converting between them by hand means juggling degrees, minutes, seconds, and compass directions correctly. This tool does it instantly, in both directions.
What Is the DMS ↔ Decimal Degrees Converter?
Enter a latitude/longitude pair as decimal degrees and see the equivalent Degrees-Minutes-Seconds (DMS) notation instantly, or enter degrees, minutes, seconds, and a compass direction (N/S/E/W) and get back the signed decimal equivalent. Both panels update live as you type, so you can work in whichever direction you need.
How to Use It
- Open the tool at /tools/dms-decimal-converter.
- To convert decimal → DMS: type a latitude and longitude as decimal numbers.
- To convert DMS → decimal: fill in degrees, minutes, seconds, and pick N/S or E/W for each coordinate.
- Read the converted result in the opposite format instantly.
Key Features
- Bidirectional conversion, decimal degrees to DMS and DMS back to decimal.
- Live updates as you type, no submit button needed.
- Correct sign/direction handling, converting negative decimal values to S/W and vice versa.
- Runs entirely client-side with simple arithmetic — no API or external service involved.
When to Use This Tool
- Reading coordinates off an old map or survey document in DMS format and needing decimal degrees for a mapping API.
- Converting a GPS device’s decimal output into the traditional DMS format for documentation.
- Learning how the two coordinate notations relate to each other.
Try It Now
Open DMS ↔ Decimal Degrees Converter directly, or press ⌘K and type the tool name from anywhere on the site.
Part of the Math & Numbers collection on WebdevToolbox — free, browser-based developer tools with no login required.