Step-by-Step Guide to Converting Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds
Degrees, minutes, and seconds (DMS) are used to measure angles with precision. This guide explains how to convert between DMS and decimal degrees, and vice versa, with detailed steps and examples.
What are Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds?
Degrees, minutes, and seconds are used to describe angles:
- Degree (°): 1/360 of a full turn.
- Minute (′): 1/60 of a degree.
- Second (″): 1/60 of a minute.
Example: 3° 16′ 7″ means 3 degrees, 16 minutes, and 7 seconds.
Converting Decimal Degrees to DMS
- Separate Degrees:
- Take the integer part as degrees.
- Example: 14.5° has 14 degrees.
- Convert Decimal to Minutes:
- Multiply the decimal by 60.
- Example: 0.5 × 60 = 30 minutes.
- Convert Remaining Decimal to Seconds:
- Multiply the remaining decimal by 60.
- Example: For 23.14°, 0.14 × 60 = 8.4 minutes, and 0.4 × 60 = 24 seconds.
Converting DMS to Decimal Degrees
- Convert Minutes to Decimal:
- Divide minutes by 60.
- Example: 30′ is 30/60 = 0.5 degrees.
- Convert Seconds to Decimal:
- Divide seconds by 3600.
- Example: 36″ is 36/3600 = 0.01 degrees.
- Add to Degrees:
- Add these results to the degrees.
- Example: 12° 30′ 36″ is 12 + 0.5 + 0.01 = 12.51°.
Using a Calculator
- Convert Decimal Degrees to DMS:
- Enter the number and press the [° ′ ″] button.
- Convert DMS to Decimal Degrees:
- Enter degrees, minutes, and seconds, pressing [° ′ ″] after each, then press [=].
Conclusion: Converting between degrees, minutes, and seconds and decimal degrees is a vital skill in mathematics and navigation. By following these steps, you can accurately perform these conversions.
