Coordinate basics
Decimal degrees to DMS converter
Feed in a decimal-degrees pair — like 40.7128, -74.0060 — and the hub hands it back as degrees, minutes and seconds with the correct N/S/E/W tag, plus the formula, a worked example and a map. It is the partner to our DMS-to-decimal tool; need UTM, MGRS or a Plus Code as well? Head to locations.app. Worked out in your browser, never uploaded.
What is decimal degrees to DMS conversion?
It rewrites a coordinate from decimal degrees (DD), a single number such as 40.7128, into degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS) like 40°42′46″N. Both describe the exact same point; DMS simply splits the fractional part into 60 minutes per degree and 60 seconds per minute, plus an N/S/E/W direction.
How to convert decimal degrees to DMS
- Enter your latitude and longitude in decimal degrees, separated by a comma (or tap “Use my location”).
- Read the latitude and longitude back as degrees, minutes and seconds with the correct N/S/E/W direction.
- Copy the full DMS coordinate, or the DDM version, with one tap — and check the point on the map.
- Need the reverse? Use the DMS to decimal tool to go from DMS back to DD.
Worked example: 40.7128° to DMS
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Degrees | whole part of 40.7128 | 40° |
| Minutes | 0.7128 × 60 = 42.768 → whole part | 42′ |
| Seconds | 0.768 × 60 | 46.1″ |
| Direction | value is positive (latitude) | N |
| DMS result | combine the parts | 40°42′46.1″N |
When to use DMS vs decimal degrees
Decimal degrees are best for apps, links, spreadsheets and code because they are one tidy number. DMS is the traditional notation on paper maps, nautical charts and aviation, and is easier to read aloud. If you need other grids, the coordinate converter also outputs UTM, MGRS, Plus Codes and Geohash from the same point.
Is the conversion accurate and private?
Yes. This is an exact mathematical transform on the WGS84 datum, so no precision is lost — only the formatting changes. Seconds are shown to one decimal place (about 3 m), which is plenty for everyday use. Everything runs in your browser; your coordinates are never uploaded.