Who Uses DMS
DMS is the traditional coordinate format taught in geography classes and used on USGS topo maps. Most handheld GPS devices can display in DMS mode. Aviation charts also use DMS, and it remains common in military and marine navigation where minutes and seconds of arc are operationally meaningful.
- Military navigation
- Paper map reading
- Traditional cartography
- Older GPS devices (Garmin, Magellan)
How to Read DMS Coordinates
- 48°51'30.24\"N: 48 degrees, 51 minutes, 30.24 seconds North latitude.
- 2°17'40.20\"E: 2 degrees, 17 minutes, 40.20 seconds East longitude.
- N/S indicates North or South hemisphere; E/W indicates East or West of prime meridian.
- One degree of latitude = ~111 km. One minute = ~1.85 km. One second = ~31 m.
Converting DMS by Hand
To convert DMS to DD: DD = D + M/60 + S/3600 (negative if S or W). Example: 48°51'30.24\"N → 48 + 51/60 + 30.24/3600 = 48.8584°
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I type the degree symbol °?
On Windows: Alt+0176. On Mac: Option+Shift+8. Or just use a space or d as a separator — most converters accept both.
What is the difference between DMS and DDM?
In DMS, minutes are whole numbers and seconds carry the decimal. In DDM (Degrees Decimal Minutes), seconds are folded into the minutes as a decimal — e.g., 48°51.504'N instead of 48°51'30.24\"N.
Why does my GPS show different formats?
Most GPS devices let you choose between DD, DMS, and DDM in their settings. Look for a "Position Format" or "Coordinate Format" option.