How to convert DMS into Degrees

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 -32°10'12" DMS to degrees.

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