How to use the degrees minutes seconds calculator
Prepare the values for this calculation
Convert decimal degrees to degrees–minutes–seconds or DMS back to decimal degrees. Use the formula below to check that it answers your question. Read the input units before transferring figures from a statement, measurement or dataset.
Enter and check each input
- Conversion: choose Decimal degrees → DMS, DMS → decimal degrees. Match this selection to the data you enter.
- Decimal degrees: enter a finite number. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Degrees: enter a finite number. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Minutes: enter a value at least 0 and no more than 59. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Seconds: enter a value at least 0 and no more than 60. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
The input table gives a complete example. Keep units and time periods consistent across related fields.
Calculate and resolve any input error
Choose Calculate after entering the values. Changes also update the answer after a short pause. If an error appears, follow its message, correct the field and calculate again. Reset restores the example values.
Interpret the answer
Check Converted angle first. With the unchanged example inputs, it is 12° 20′ 44.4408″. Interpret it using the formula and assumptions on this page.
Compare and keep a useful result
For a controlled comparison, keep every other example input unchanged and change Decimal degrees from 12.345678 to 13.5802458. The resulting Converted angle is 13° 34′ 48.88488″. This illustrates the equation’s response to that input, rather than a forecast of real events.
The result diagram shows the inputs, method and output. A numeric chart is shown only when the calculation supports a meaningful numeric relationship.
Use Copy result or Download CSV to keep the answer. Share tool shares the page address without placing your input values in the URL. Recheck inputs and assumptions before using the result for a decision.
Degrees Minutes Seconds Calculator formula
DMS = integer degrees + minutes/60 + seconds/3600, preserving the sign.
Inputs and units
| Input | Format / range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Conversion | Select an option | Decimal degrees → DMS |
| Decimal degrees | Number | 12.345678 |
| Degrees | Number | 12 |
| Minutes | minimum 0; maximum 59 | 20 |
| Seconds | minimum 0; maximum 60 | 44.44 |
Worked example
Using the example inputs above, the converted angle is 12° 20′ 44.4408″.
- Converted angle
- 12° 20′ 44.4408″
Results and assumptions
The output uses the converted angle convention and formula shown above. Match the entered units and source assumptions when comparing results.
Fix an input or unexpected result
Decimal degrees is required. Enter decimal degrees using the format and bounds in the input table. Zero and an empty field are different: use zero only if it is allowed and represents your data.
If your answer differs from the example, choose Reset and compare every field, including selected units and options. Check percentage versus decimal entry and whether values describe the same period. Round only the final displayed answer when reproducing the formula.
If a discrepancy remains, report the calculator issue with the page address, non-sensitive example inputs, actual result, expected result and a reference for your calculation.