Degrees Minutes Seconds Calculator
Add and subtract angles in Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS) format with automatic carrying/borrowing — useful for navigation and surveying.
Reviewed October 7, 2026 Runs in your browser — inputs are never stored
First value
Second value
Result (DMS)
51° 15' 45.0000"
= 51.262500° decimal
This tool provides general unit conversions for everyday and educational use. For regulated, legal, or scientific applications, verify conversion factors against the applicable official standard.
About the Degrees Minutes Seconds Calculator
The degrees minutes seconds calculator adds and subtracts angles written in DMS format, carrying 60 seconds into a minute and 60 minutes into a degree. It is used in navigation, astronomy and surveying, where bearings and coordinates are traditionally recorded in DMS. The result is also shown in decimal degrees.
How to use it
- 1Choose add or subtract.
- 2Enter degrees, minutes and seconds for both angles.
- 3Read the result in DMS and decimal degrees.
- 4Copy, share or print the result with the buttons below it.
Worked example
40° 30′ 15″ + 10° 45′ 30″ = 51° 15′ 45″.
How it works
DMS arithmetic rules
When adding: 60 seconds = 1 minute; 60 minutes = 1 degree. When subtracting: borrow 1 minute = 60 seconds; 1 degree = 60 minutes.
Formula
DD = D + M/60 + S/3600 — convert both values to decimal degrees, perform arithmetic, then convert back to DMS.
Common use cases
- Adjusting compass bearings
- Surveying and land measurement
- Astronomy coordinate calculations
Frequently asked questions
A:DMS uses base-60 (sexagesimal) for minutes and seconds. 60 seconds = 1 minute, 60 minutes = 1 degree — unlike decimal where you add normally.
A:DMS is used in traditional navigation, surveying, astronomy, and older GPS formats. Modern systems often use decimal degrees for simplicity.
Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated October 7, 2026
Conversion factors are based on internationally defined SI units and standard metric/imperial equivalence tables.
CalcWisee Editorial Team
Calculator development and formula review
CalcWisee is an independent site founded by Ayman. Every calculator is built from a published formula or official definition, tested against hand-worked examples before it goes live, and corrected promptly when a reader reports an issue to ayman@calcwisee.com.
Expertise: Financial mathematics, Health and fitness formulas, Applied mathematics, Unit conversion standards
References & sources
Related guides
Common Unit Conversion Formulas Made Simple
Length, weight, temperature, and volume conversions explained with exact factors, worked examples, and common mistakes to avoid.
Length Converter: Convert Units Accurately
Convert any length or distance unit accurately — from kilometres and metres to miles, feet, and inches — with practical conversion tables, formulas, and real-world examples.
Temperature Converter: Celsius, Fahrenheit & Kelvin
Convert Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin with exact formulas — plus tables, absolute zero, the −40 crossover, and practical examples for weather, cooking, and science.