Degrees to Degrees in Azimuth Calculator

Azimuth is a measurement of the angle between a reference direction (typically true north) and a line from the observer to a point of interest. This calculator converts between different degree measurements in azimuth, helping you work with compass bearings, navigation, and directional measurements.

What is Azimuth?

Azimuth is the horizontal angle measured clockwise from a reference direction (usually true north) to a point of interest. It's commonly used in navigation, astronomy, and surveying to describe directions.

There are two main types of azimuth measurements:

True Azimuth: Measured from true north, accounting for the Earth's rotation.
Magnetic Azimuth: Measured from magnetic north, which changes over time due to the Earth's magnetic field.

When converting between these types, you need to account for the magnetic declination (the angle between true north and magnetic north) at your location.

Conversion Formula

The basic conversion between true and magnetic azimuth is:

Magnetic Azimuth = True Azimuth + Magnetic Declination

True Azimuth = Magnetic Azimuth - Magnetic Declination

Where:

Magnetic Declination is the angle between true north and magnetic north (positive east, negative west)
All angles are in degrees

For more precise calculations, you may need to account for the variation in declination over time and location.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the azimuth value you want to convert in the "Input Value" field
Select the input unit (True Azimuth or Magnetic Azimuth)
Enter the magnetic declination for your location (positive for east, negative for west)
Click "Calculate" to see the converted value
Use the "Reset" button to clear all fields

Note: Magnetic declination varies by location and changes over time. For precise navigation, always use the most current declination value for your area.

Examples

Example 1: True to Magnetic Conversion

If you have a true azimuth of 45° and a magnetic declination of 10° east (10°), the magnetic azimuth would be:

Magnetic Azimuth = 45° + 10° = 55°

Example 2: Magnetic to True Conversion

If you have a magnetic azimuth of 30° and a magnetic declination of 5° west (-5°), the true azimuth would be:

True Azimuth = 30° - (-5°) = 35°

Example 3: Handling Negative Declination

If you have a true azimuth of 90° and a magnetic declination of 3° west (-3°), the magnetic azimuth would be:

Magnetic Azimuth = 90° + (-3°) = 87°

FAQ

What is the difference between true azimuth and magnetic azimuth?: True azimuth is measured from true north, while magnetic azimuth is measured from magnetic north. The difference between them is called magnetic declination.
How do I find the magnetic declination for my location?: You can find the current magnetic declination for your location using online tools like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Magnetic Field Calculator or your country's mapping agency.
Why does magnetic declination change over time?: Magnetic declination changes due to the movement of the Earth's magnetic field, which is influenced by the Earth's core and solar activity.
Can I use this calculator for aviation navigation?: Yes, this calculator can be used for basic azimuth conversions in aviation, but always verify your magnetic declination with current charts and consult official navigation resources.
What if my magnetic declination is zero?: If your magnetic declination is zero, true azimuth and magnetic azimuth will be the same, and you can simply use the same value for both measurements.