Degrees to Miles Calculator
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
Convert degrees to miles using our precise calculator. This tool helps you determine the distance between two points on Earth when you know the angle between them and the radius of the sphere (typically Earth's radius).
How to Use the Degrees to Miles Calculator
Using our degrees to miles calculator is simple:
- Enter the angle in degrees in the first field.
- Select the radius of the sphere (Earth's radius is the default).
- Click "Calculate" to get the result in miles.
- Review the detailed explanation of the calculation.
The calculator uses the formula for arc length on a sphere to provide accurate results. You can also use the worked examples below to verify your calculations.
Degrees to Miles Formula
Formula
The formula to convert degrees to miles is:
Distance (miles) = (Degrees × π × Radius) / 180
Where:
- Degrees = Angle in degrees
- π = 3.141592653589793 (constant)
- Radius = Radius of the sphere in miles (default is Earth's radius)
This formula calculates the arc length (distance along the surface) between two points on a sphere when you know the angle between them and the sphere's radius.
Assumptions
The default Earth radius used is 3,959 miles. For other celestial bodies, you can enter their radius in miles.
Degrees to Miles Examples
Here are some examples of how to convert degrees to miles:
| Degrees | Radius (miles) | Distance (miles) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3,959 | 69.11 |
| 5 | 3,959 | 345.56 |
| 10 | 3,959 | 691.12 |
| 30 | 3,959 | 2,073.35 |
| 90 | 3,959 | 6,283.29 |
These examples show how the distance changes with different angles while keeping the Earth's radius constant.
Degrees to Miles FAQ
What is the difference between degrees and miles?
Degrees measure angles, while miles measure distance. This calculator converts an angle in degrees to a distance in miles along the surface of a sphere.
Why is the Earth's radius important for this calculation?
The Earth's radius determines the size of the sphere. Different celestial bodies have different radii, so using the correct radius gives accurate distance measurements.
Can I use this calculator for other planets?
Yes, you can enter the radius of any celestial body in miles to calculate distances for that body.
What if I need to convert miles to degrees?
This calculator only converts degrees to miles. For the reverse calculation, you would need to rearrange the formula.