How do I convert decimal coordinates to degrees, minutes, and seconds?
Quick Answer: To convert decimal coordinates to degrees, minutes, and seconds (DMS), take the whole number as degrees. Multiply the decimal part by 60 for minutes. Then, multiply the remaining decimal by 60 again to get seconds. For example, 40.7128° = 40° 42' 46". Simple math turns decimals into DMS!
Decimal coordinates are a single number showing location, but DMS splits that into parts we can easily read on maps or GPS. Degrees measure big chunks, minutes break those chunks down, and seconds get super precise.
Following the steps means you first grab the full degrees from the number. The leftover decimal times 60 gives you minutes. Then, the leftover decimal from that result times 60 gives you seconds. It’s just breaking down the decimal piece by piece.