What3Words Helper
Work with What3Words addresses. Understand and validate the 3-word format used for precise locations.
Note: What3Words is a proprietary system. To convert to coordinates, you'll need to use the official What3Words website or app. This tool helps you understand and validate the format.
Enter three words separated by dots (e.g., ///filled.count.soap)
About What3Words
- • Divides the world into 3m × 3m squares
- • Each square has a unique 3-word address
- • Format: ///word.word.word (with slashes prefix)
- • Words are from a fixed dictionary
- • Similar addresses are far apart by design
Geocaching Tips
- • Some puzzle caches use What3Words as clues
- • Words might be hidden in puzzle text
- • Check if words form a valid W3W address
- • The 3m precision is accurate for final coords
- • Remember: words must be in correct order
What is What3Words?
What3Words is a geocoding system that has divided the entire world into 3-meter by 3-meter squares and assigned each one a unique combination of three words. For example, ///filled.count.soap identifies a specific 9 square meter location.
How What3Words Works
- 57 trillion squares: Cover the entire Earth's surface
- 3-word addresses: Unique combination for each square
- 3m precision: Much more precise than postal addresses
- Fixed dictionary: ~40,000 words in each language version
What3Words Format
A What3Words address always consists of:
- Three slashes: /// prefix (optional but standard)
- Three words: Lowercase, separated by dots
- Order matters: word1.word2.word3 is different from word2.word1.word3
What3Words in Geocaching
What3Words is used in geocaching because:
- Puzzle element: Words can be hidden in puzzles
- Precise location: 3m accuracy for final coordinates
- Alternative format: Different from standard coordinates
- Easy to communicate: Three words are easier than numbers
Finding W3W in Puzzles
Look for these clues:
- Three words: Three English words that seem related
- Slashes: The /// prefix is a giveaway
- Dot separators: Words connected with dots
- Hints: References to "3 words" or W3W
Converting Addresses
What3Words is a proprietary system. To convert:
- Go to what3words.com
- Enter the 3-word address
- View the location on the map
- Click to see GPS coordinates
Limitations
- Proprietary: Requires What3Words service to decode
- No offline conversion: Need internet access
- Similar words: Easy to confuse similar-sounding addresses
- Multiple languages: Same location has different words in each language