Plus Codes (Open Location Code)
Convert between Plus Codes and coordinates. Plus Codes are short codes that identify any location on Earth.
Decode Plus Code
e.g., 9C3XGV4F+QR
Encode Coordinates
About Plus Codes
- • Open-source location code system by Google
- • Works like a street address for any location
- • Uses letters 2-9, C, F, G, H, J, M, P, Q, R, V, W, X
- • Format: XXXX+XX or longer (+ separates area from local)
- • 10-character code = ~14m × 14m area
Example Plus Codes
What are Plus Codes?
Plus Codes (also known as Open Location Codes) are short, alphanumeric codes that can be used to identify any location on Earth. Developed by Google, they work like street addresses for places that don't have them.
Plus Code Format
A Plus Code consists of:
- Area code: First 4-8 characters (global/regional area)
- Separator: The + symbol
- Local code: 2+ characters after the + (specific location)
Example: 9C3XGV4F+QR
Precision Levels
| Length | Precision |
|---|---|
| 4 chars | ~110km × 110km |
| 6 chars | ~5km × 5km |
| 8 chars | ~275m × 275m |
| 10 chars | ~14m × 14m |
| 11 chars | ~3.5m × 3.5m |
Plus Codes in Geocaching
Plus Codes appear in geocaching puzzles because:
- Alternative format: Different from traditional coordinates
- Short codes: Easy to encode in puzzles
- Global coverage: Works anywhere on Earth
- Open source: Free to use and decode
Recognizing Plus Codes
Look for these characteristics:
- Contains +: Always has a plus sign
- 8-12 characters: Typical length
- Limited alphabet: Only uses 23456789CFGHJMPQRVWX
- No vowels: Avoids spelling words
Advantages Over Coordinates
- Shorter: More compact than decimal coordinates
- No negative numbers: Easier to communicate
- Error detection: Invalid codes are obvious
- Variable precision: Use shorter codes for larger areas