How to Convert Decimal Into Degrees in Calculator

A decimal degree is a way of expressing latitude and longitude coordinates that combines degrees, minutes, and seconds into a single decimal number. This format is commonly used in modern GPS devices and mapping software. Converting decimal degrees to degrees, minutes, and seconds can be useful when working with older maps or systems that require this format.

What is a decimal degree?

A decimal degree is a coordinate format that represents latitude and longitude as a single decimal number. For example, 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W is the decimal degree representation of New York City's coordinates.

This format is more precise and easier to work with than the traditional degrees-minutes-seconds format, which separates the components into three parts. Decimal degrees are commonly used in modern GPS devices, mapping software, and geographic information systems (GIS).

How to convert decimal degrees to degrees, minutes, seconds

Converting decimal degrees to degrees, minutes, and seconds involves a few simple steps:

Separate the integer part of the decimal degree from the fractional part.
Multiply the fractional part by 60 to get the minutes.
Separate the integer part of the minutes from the new fractional part.
Multiply the new fractional part by 60 to get the seconds.

For example, to convert 40.7128° to degrees, minutes, and seconds:

The integer part is 40°, and the fractional part is 0.7128.
Multiply 0.7128 by 60 to get 42.768 minutes.
The integer part of the minutes is 42', and the new fractional part is 0.768.
Multiply 0.768 by 60 to get 46.08 seconds.

So, 40.7128° is equal to 40°42'46".

Formula for conversion

The formula to convert decimal degrees to degrees, minutes, and seconds is:

Degrees = Integer part of decimal degree

Minutes = (Decimal degree - Degrees) × 60

Seconds = (Minutes - Integer part of Minutes) × 60

This formula can be implemented in a calculator to automate the conversion process.

Examples of conversion

Here are a few examples of converting decimal degrees to degrees, minutes, and seconds:

Decimal Degree	Degrees, Minutes, Seconds
35.6895°	35°41'22"
51.5074°	51°30'27"
48.8566°	48°51'24"

FAQ

What is the difference between decimal degrees and degrees, minutes, seconds?

Decimal degrees combine degrees, minutes, and seconds into a single decimal number, while degrees, minutes, seconds keep them as separate components. Decimal degrees are more precise and easier to work with in modern systems.

Why would I need to convert decimal degrees to degrees, minutes, seconds?

Some older maps, navigation systems, or applications may require coordinates in the degrees-minutes-seconds format. Converting decimal degrees to this format can help ensure compatibility with these systems.

Is there a way to convert degrees, minutes, seconds back to decimal degrees?

Yes, you can convert degrees, minutes, seconds back to decimal degrees using the formula: Decimal Degree = Degrees + (Minutes / 60) + (Seconds / 3600).

What are the limitations of decimal degrees?

Decimal degrees are more precise but can be less intuitive for some users who are more familiar with the degrees-minutes-seconds format. They also require more decimal places to maintain the same level of precision as the traditional format.