Convert GPS coordinates to decimal degrees
GPS devices, nautical charts, survey notes, and mapping apps often write the same location differently. This converter recognizes the three common latitude and longitude formats and produces a decimal pair that can be pasted directly into Google Maps.
| Format | Name | Example |
|---|---|---|
| DD | Decimal degrees | 38.439667, -75.1595 |
| DDM | Degrees + decimal minutes | N38°26.38' / W75°9.57' |
| DMS | Degrees, minutes + seconds | 38°26'22.8"N 75°09'34.2"W |
How the conversion works
Decimal degrees are calculated as degrees + minutes ÷ 60 + seconds ÷ 3,600. South and west coordinates become negative numbers. Latitude always comes first and must be between −90 and 90; longitude comes second and must be between −180 and 180.
For example, N38°26.38' / W75°9.57' becomes 38.439667, −75.1595. The converter accepts hemisphere letters before or after the numbers and understands slashes, commas, semicolons, spaces, degree symbols, and straight or curly minute/second marks.
Coordinate converter questions
What coordinate formats are supported?
Decimal degrees (DD), degrees and decimal minutes (DDM), and degrees, minutes, and seconds (DMS). N, S, E, and W can appear before or after each coordinate.
How do I enter coordinates into Google Maps?
Use decimal latitude first, followed by decimal longitude, with a comma between them. You can copy the result above or use the Google Maps button.
Why do west and south coordinates become negative?
In decimal-degree notation, north and east are positive while south and west are negative. For example, 75° west is written as −75.
Are my coordinates uploaded or stored?
No. The conversion runs locally in your browser. Opening Google Maps sends the converted location to Google, and a share link visibly contains the original coordinates after the # symbol.