How to convert DMS into Degrees

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 -32°10'12" DMS to degrees.

$$-32°10'12''$$ $$-32+\frac { -10 }{ 60 } +\frac { -12 }{ 3600 }$$ $$-32.17$$