To convert DMS to Decimal Degrees: DD = Degrees + (Minutes ÷ 60) + (Seconds ÷ 3600). Apply a negative sign if the coordinate is South or West.
DMS to DD Converter
Could not parse that coordinate.
DD
Decimal Degrees
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DMS
Deg. Min. Sec.
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DDM
Deg. Decimal Min.
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UTM
Univ. Trans. Mercator
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MGRS
Military Grid
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Geohash
Base32
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Plus Code
Open Location Code
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How to Convert DMS to DD: Step by Step
- 1 Start with the whole degrees (the number before the ° symbol).
- 2 Divide the minutes value by 60.
- 3 Divide the seconds value by 3600.
- 4 Add all three values together.
- 5 If the original coordinate is South (S) or West (W), make the result negative.
Worked Example
Input
48°51'30.24"N 2°17'40.20"E
Latitude conversion:
48 + (51÷60) + (30.24÷3600) = 48 + 0.85 + 0.0084 = 48.8584°
Longitude conversion:
2 + (17÷60) + (40.20÷3600) = 2 + 0.2833 + 0.0112 = 2.2945°
Result:
48.858400, 2.294500
Why Convert DMS to DD?
Decimal Degrees is required by most GPS applications, web APIs, and GIS databases. DMS is commonly found on printed maps, older GPS devices, and geographic reference materials.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕ Forgetting to divide seconds by 3600 (not 60)
- ✕ Using the wrong sign for S/W coordinates
- ✕ Confusing decimal minutes (DDM) with seconds (DMS)