Express Each Angle in Degrees and Minutes Calculator

What is Degrees and Minutes Format?

The degrees and minutes format is an alternative way to express angles that divides the degree into 60 equal parts called minutes. This format is particularly useful in fields like navigation and astronomy where precise angle measurement is required.

In this format, an angle is represented as degrees followed by minutes, with a degree symbol (°) and a minute symbol ('). For example, 45.5 degrees can be expressed as 45°30'.

How to Convert Between Degrees and Minutes

Converting between decimal degrees and degrees-minutes format involves simple multiplication and division. Here's how it works:

1. To convert decimal degrees to degrees and minutes, multiply the decimal part of the angle by 60 to get the minutes.
2. To convert degrees and minutes to decimal degrees, divide the minutes by 60 and add the result to the degrees.

For example, to convert 45.5° to degrees and minutes:

• Multiply 0.5 by 60 to get 30 minutes.
• The result is 45°30'.

Formula for Conversion

These formulas provide the basis for the conversion calculations performed by our calculator.

Worked Example

Let's convert 36.75 degrees to degrees and minutes format:

1. Identify the integer part: 36 degrees
2. Calculate the decimal part: 0.75 × 60 = 45 minutes
3. Combine to get 36°45'

To verify, converting 36°45' back to decimal degrees:

1. Divide minutes by 60: 45 ÷ 60 = 0.75
2. Add to degrees: 36 + 0.75 = 36.75 degrees