Sec Degrees Calculator

Convert degrees to seconds of arc with our precise sec degrees calculator. Learn about angular measurements and how to calculate seconds from degrees.

What is sec degrees?

Seconds of arc (often written as "sec") are a unit of angular measurement used in astronomy, navigation, and other precise applications. One degree is divided into 60 minutes of arc, and each minute is divided into 60 seconds of arc.

This calculator converts degrees to seconds of arc, which is useful when working with very small angles in fields like astronomy, surveying, and engineering.

Did you know? The concept of dividing angles into degrees, minutes, and seconds originated in ancient Babylonian astronomy around 300 BC.

How to calculate sec degrees

To convert degrees to seconds of arc:

Multiply the number of degrees by 3600 (since there are 60 minutes in a degree and 60 seconds in a minute)
The result is the equivalent in seconds of arc

For example, 1 degree is equal to 3600 seconds of arc.

Sec degrees formula

The formula for converting degrees to seconds of arc is:

sec = degrees × 3600

Where:

sec = seconds of arc
degrees = angle in degrees

Sec degrees example

Let's calculate how many seconds of arc are in 2.5 degrees:

sec = 2.5 × 3600 = 9000 sec

So, 2.5 degrees is equal to 9000 seconds of arc.

Sec degrees table

Here's a conversion table for common degree measurements:

Degrees	Seconds of Arc
0.1°	360 sec
0.5°	1800 sec
1°	3600 sec
2.5°	9000 sec
5°	18000 sec
10°	36000 sec
30°	108000 sec
45°	162000 sec
60°	216000 sec
90°	324000 sec

FAQ

What is the difference between degrees and seconds of arc?

Degrees are a larger unit of angular measurement, while seconds of arc are much smaller. There are 3600 seconds of arc in one degree (60 minutes × 60 seconds).

When would I use seconds of arc instead of degrees?

Seconds of arc are used when measuring very small angles, such as in astronomy, surveying, or engineering applications where precision is critical.

Can I convert seconds of arc back to degrees?

Yes, you can convert seconds of arc back to degrees by dividing by 3600. For example, 3600 seconds of arc equals 1 degree.

Is there a difference between arcseconds and seconds of arc?

No, arcseconds and seconds of arc refer to the same unit of measurement. The term "arcseconds" is often used in astronomy and navigation contexts.