DMS Calculator (Degrees, Minutes, Seconds)
Use this tool as a fast latitude/longitude converter between decimal degrees and DMS format.
Decimal Degrees → DMS
DMS → Decimal Degrees
Tip: Use positive degrees with N/S/E/W for the cleanest input.
What is DMS?
DMS stands for Degrees, Minutes, Seconds. It is a traditional way of expressing angles and geographic coordinates. In navigation, mapping, GIS, surveying, and astronomy, DMS is still very common because it is easy for people to read and communicate verbally.
A full DMS coordinate is written like this: 40° 44' 55.2" N. That means 40 degrees, 44 minutes, and 55.2 seconds north of the equator. The same coordinate in decimal format is about 40.748667.
How to Use This DMS Calculator
- Convert decimal to DMS: Enter your decimal degree value, choose whether it is latitude, longitude, or plain angle, then click Convert to DMS.
- Convert DMS to decimal: Enter degrees, minutes, and seconds, optionally set a hemisphere (N/S/E/W), then click Convert to Decimal.
- Control rounding: Use the precision fields to set how many decimals you want in the final output.
DMS vs Decimal Degrees
DMS format
DMS splits an angle into three parts:
- 1 degree (°)
- 60 minutes (')
- 60 seconds (")
This is helpful in contexts where small fractions are easier to interpret as seconds rather than long decimals.
Decimal degree format
Decimal degrees keep everything in one number, such as -122.4194. This is excellent for software, APIs, spreadsheets, and database storage because calculations are simpler.
Conversion Formulas
Decimal to DMS
- Degrees = integer part of decimal value
- Minutes = integer part of ((decimal - degrees) × 60)
- Seconds = remainder × 60
DMS to Decimal
Decimal Degrees = Degrees + (Minutes / 60) + (Seconds / 3600)
Then apply sign or direction: south/west coordinates are negative, north/east are positive.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Decimal to DMS
Input: -73.985656 (longitude)
Output: 73° 59' 8.36" W
Example 2: DMS to Decimal
Input: 40° 44' 55.2" N
Output: 40.748667
Where This Matters
- GPS and field work: many handheld devices still use DMS entry screens.
- Drone mapping: mission planning apps may switch between coordinate formats.
- Marine and aviation navigation: DMS remains a standard communication format.
- Geocaching and hiking: published coordinates are often listed in DMS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering minutes or seconds above 59.
- Using both a negative degree and a conflicting hemisphere (for example, -40 with N).
- Forgetting to apply W/S as negative in decimal degrees.
- Rounding too early when precision matters in surveying or GIS tasks.
Final Note
This DMS calculator is designed for quick, accurate coordinate conversion in both directions. If you work with maps, location data, GPS devices, or geospatial software, keeping both formats at your fingertips can save time and reduce input errors.