GPS Coordinate Converter
Convert GPS coordinates between Decimal Degrees (DD) and Degrees/Minutes/Seconds (DMS) instantly, with latitude and longitude range validation.
🔒 Processed locally in your browser
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How to use
- Choose a conversion direction: Decimal → DMS or DMS → Decimal.
- Enter a latitude and longitude in the fields above, matching the selected direction's format.
- The converted values update instantly below — there's no button to press.
- Use the Copy button to copy both converted values as a single line of text.
Features
- Converts both directions: Decimal Degrees to DMS, and DMS back to Decimal Degrees
- Validates latitude (-90 to 90) and longitude (-180 to 180) ranges
- Accepts DMS input with straight or curly quotes for minutes/seconds
- Updates live as you type — no button to press
- 100% client-side — your coordinates never leave your browser
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Decimal Degrees and DMS?
Decimal Degrees (DD) express a coordinate as a single signed number, like 40.7128. Degrees/Minutes/Seconds (DMS) split it into degrees, minutes, and seconds with a hemisphere letter, like 40°42'46.1"N. Both describe the exact same point.
When should I use DMS instead of decimal degrees?
DMS is the traditional format used in navigation, surveying, and nautical charts, and it's still common on paper maps and in some older GPS devices. Most modern mapping APIs, smartphone GPS apps, and web tools like Google Maps use decimal degrees, since it's simpler for computers to store and calculate with.
How is the hemisphere letter determined?
A positive latitude is North (N) and a negative latitude is South (S). A positive longitude is East (E) and a negative longitude is West (W). Converting DMS back to decimal applies a negative sign for S or W.
What coordinate formats does the DMS field accept?
It accepts the conventional format with a degree symbol, straight or curly quotes for minutes and seconds, and a trailing hemisphere letter, e.g. 40°42'46.1"N or 40°42′46.1″N. Extra spacing around each part is fine.
Does this tool send my coordinates anywhere?
No. All conversions run locally in your browser using plain JavaScript arithmetic. Nothing is sent to a server or stored.