How to Convert DMS to Decimal Degrees

Converting coordinate coordinates from traditional Degrees, Minutes, Seconds (DMS) to Decimal Degrees (DD) is a straightforward mathematical operation based on 60-unit divisions.

The Conversion Formula

To convert DMS to DD:

1. Keep the whole degrees as the integer part.
2. Divide the minutes by 60 ($M / 60$).
3. Divide the seconds by 3,600 ($S / 3600$).
4. Add all three values together:

$\text{Decimal Degrees} = D + \frac{M}{60} + \frac{S}{3600}$

If the coordinate is in the Southern hemisphere (S) or Western hemisphere (W), make the final decimal number negative.

Worked Example

Let’s convert $30^\circ\ 16'\ 1.92''\text{ N}$:

• Degrees ($D$) = 30
• Minutes ($M / 60$) = $16 / 60 = 0.266667$
• Seconds ($S / 3600$) = $1.92 / 3600 = 0.000533$
• Sum = $30 + 0.266667 + 0.000533 = 30.267200^\circ$

Because it is North, the value remains positive $+30.267200$.

Try entering your coordinates in our automated Coordinate Converter to perform conversions instantly.