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Degrees to Sexagesimal Calculator

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

Convert decimal degrees to sexagesimal (degrees, minutes, seconds) with this precise calculator. Sexagesimal notation is commonly used in navigation, astronomy, and geography to represent angles more precisely than decimal degrees alone.

How to Use This Calculator

To convert decimal degrees to sexagesimal notation:

  1. Enter the decimal degree value in the input field
  2. Click the "Calculate" button
  3. View the sexagesimal result in the result panel
  4. Optionally view a visual representation of the conversion

The calculator will display the sexagesimal value in degrees, minutes, and seconds format (DD°MM'SS").

Conversion Method

The conversion from decimal degrees to sexagesimal notation involves these steps:

  1. Separate the integer part of the decimal degree as the degrees value
  2. Multiply the decimal part by 60 to get the minutes value
  3. Separate the integer part of the minutes value
  4. Multiply the remaining decimal part by 60 to get the seconds value

Formula

For a decimal degree value D:

  • Degrees = floor(D)
  • Minutes = floor((D - Degrees) × 60)
  • Seconds = (D - Degrees - (Minutes / 60)) × 3600

This method ensures precise conversion while maintaining the relationship between degrees, minutes, and seconds.

Examples

Example 1: 45.75 degrees

Converting 45.75 degrees:

  1. Degrees = floor(45.75) = 45°
  2. Minutes = floor((45.75 - 45) × 60) = floor(0.75 × 60) = 45'
  3. Seconds = (45.75 - 45 - (45/60)) × 3600 ≈ 0"

Result: 45°45'00"

Example 2: 123.456 degrees

Converting 123.456 degrees:

  1. Degrees = floor(123.456) = 123°
  2. Minutes = floor((123.456 - 123) × 60) ≈ floor(0.456 × 60) ≈ 27'
  3. Seconds ≈ (123.456 - 123 - (27/60)) × 3600 ≈ 24.24"

Result: 123°27'24.24"

FAQ

What is sexagesimal notation?
Sexagesimal notation is a system of angular measurement that divides a circle into 360 degrees, each degree into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds. It's commonly used in navigation and astronomy.
Why convert decimal degrees to sexagesimal?
Sexagesimal notation provides more precise angular measurements than decimal degrees alone, which is important for applications like celestial navigation and surveying.
How accurate is this calculator?
The calculator uses standard conversion formulas and provides results with up to 6 decimal places for seconds, ensuring high precision.
Can I convert sexagesimal back to decimal degrees?
Yes, you can use our sexagesimal to decimal degrees calculator for the reverse conversion.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes, this calculator is completely free to use with no ads or hidden fees.