How to convert Degrees into DMS system

by Rick H

The DMS system also referred to as Degree-Minutes-Seconds is a system that is typically used by surveying a position that requires longitude and latitude.

In the DMS system, a degree is divided into exactly 6 minutes and each of those minutes is divided into 60 seconds.

One degree equals 60 minutes

$1°=60'$

One minute equals 60 seconds

$1'=60"$

One degree then equals 3600 seconds

$1°=3600"$

Now if you want to convert any of this measurement you can just simply use the conversion method above for any given degree.

Convert -317.06 degrees to DMS.

$-317.06°$ $0.06(60)=3.6$ $0.6(60)=36$ $-317.06°=-317°3'36"$