Latitude and Longitude Explained

Latitude and longitude describe a point on Earth using two angles. Together they let you identify a place without depending on a street address. Most web mapping tools accept decimal degrees, such as 51.5074, −0.1278.

Latitude: north or south

Latitude measures position relative to the equator. The equator is 0°. Positive values are north; negative values are south. The valid range runs from −90° at the South Pole to 90° at the North Pole.

Longitude: east or west

Longitude measures position relative to the prime meridian. Positive values are east; negative values are west. The usual valid range is −180° to 180°.

The order matters

Our tools use latitude first, longitude second. For example, 51.5074, −0.1278 identifies a point in London. Reversing those numbers points somewhere entirely different. Some data formats use longitude first, so check the labels when transferring coordinates.

Decimal degrees and DMS

Decimal degrees express each angle as a single decimal number. Degrees, minutes and seconds split the angle into smaller parts. One degree contains 60 minutes, and each minute contains 60 seconds. Use our coordinate converter when you need DMS output.

More digits do not prove accuracy

A coordinate with six decimal places looks precise, but those digits alone do not show how well the device measured your location. Check the reported accuracy too. Rounding fewer digits can make a result less specific; adding digits cannot repair a poor location fix.

A quick check before sharing

• Verify the coordinate order.
• Keep minus signs for south and west.
• Use a full stop as the decimal separator in these tools.
• View the point on a map before sending it.
• Share only with people who need to know the location.