GPS Coordinate Converter

What is a GPS Coordinate Converter?

A GPS coordinate converter transforms location data between different coordinate formats. GPS devices, mapping applications, and geocaching platforms often use different notation systems, making conversion essential for outdoor enthusiasts, surveyors, and geocachers.

This tool instantly converts between Decimal Degrees (DD), Degrees Decimal Minutes (DDM), and Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS) formats, supporting both latitude and longitude coordinates.

Understanding Coordinate Formats

Decimal Degrees (DD)

The simplest format, expressing coordinates as decimal numbers. Positive values indicate North latitude and East longitude; negative values indicate South and West.

Example: 51.507400, -0.127800
Used by: Google Maps, most web mapping services, programming APIs
Precision: 6 decimal places gives accuracy to about 0.1 meters

Degrees Decimal Minutes (DDM)

Also known as GPS coordinates format, this is the standard format for geocaching. It expresses coordinates as degrees and decimal minutes with cardinal directions (N/S for latitude, E/W for longitude).

Example: N 51° 30.444' W 000° 07.668'
Used by: Geocaching.com, most GPS devices, marine navigation
Why geocachers use it: Standard format on cache pages and GPS units

Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS)

The traditional cartographic format using degrees, arc minutes, and arc seconds. Each degree contains 60 minutes, and each minute contains 60 seconds.

Example: N 51° 30' 26.64" W 000° 07' 40.08"
Used by: Traditional maps, aviation, some GPS devices
Historical note: Based on ancient Babylonian base-60 mathematics

How to Convert Coordinates Manually

DD to DDM Conversion

To convert from Decimal Degrees to Degrees Decimal Minutes:

The whole number part becomes the degrees
Multiply the decimal part by 60 to get the minutes
Add N/S for latitude (positive = North) and E/W for longitude (positive = East)

Example: 51.507400 → 51° + (0.5074 × 60)' = N 51° 30.444'

DDM to DD Conversion

To convert from Degrees Decimal Minutes to Decimal Degrees:

Divide the minutes by 60
Add the result to the degrees
Make the result negative if South or West

Example: N 51° 30.444' → 51 + (30.444 ÷ 60) = 51.5074

Coordinate Conversion for Geocaching

Geocaching uses the DDM format (N DD° MM.MMM' W DDD° MM.MMM') as its standard. When solving puzzle caches, you may encounter coordinates in different formats that need conversion before entering into your GPS or the geocaching app.

Common scenarios where geocachers need coordinate conversion:

Puzzle caches: Solutions may be given in DD or DMS format
Google Maps lookups: Google uses DD, but geocaching uses DDM
Multi-caches: Intermediate waypoints from calculations
Projection results: When projecting new waypoints

Input Format Tips

Our converter accepts flexible input formats. Here are examples of valid inputs:

51.5074, -0.1278 - Decimal degrees with comma
51.5074 -0.1278 - Decimal degrees with space
N 51° 30.444' W 0° 7.668' - DDM with symbols
N 51 30.444 W 0 7.668 - DDM without symbols
51° 30' 26.64" N, 0° 7' 40.08" W - DMS format

The converter automatically detects the input format and handles various notation styles, making it easy to paste coordinates from any source.

Coordinate Precision

Understanding coordinate precision helps ensure accuracy:

1 degree ≈ 111 km (69 miles) at the equator
0.001 degrees ≈ 111 meters
0.00001 degrees ≈ 1.1 meters
0.001 minutes ≈ 1.85 meters

For geocaching, coordinates are typically given to 3 decimal places in minutes (0.001'), providing accuracy of about 2 meters—perfect for finding a hidden container.

Related Coordinate Tools

After converting coordinates, you might also need these geocaching tools:

Waypoint Projection: Calculate new coordinates from a starting point, bearing, and distance—essential for multi-caches.
Distance Calculator: Measure the distance between two coordinate pairs to estimate hiking distance or check your projected waypoints.
Bearing Calculator: Find the compass direction from one point to another, useful for field navigation.
Midpoint Calculator: Find the exact center between two coordinates, sometimes needed for puzzle cache solutions.