Compass Bearing and Azimuth Calculator
Enter a whole-circle azimuth or a quadrant bearing such as N30E. The calculator converts between the two notations and gives the back azimuth for the reverse direction.
How to convert a compass bearing
- Choose whether you have an azimuth or a quadrant bearing.
- Enter the azimuth in degrees, or pick a quadrant and acute angle.
- Read the converted bearing and the back azimuth.
Examples
Azimuth to quadrant bearing
azimuth = 30 degrees
N30.00E, back azimuth 210 degrees
Quadrant bearing to azimuth
quadrant SE, angle 45 degrees
azimuth 135 degrees, back azimuth 315 degrees
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an azimuth and a quadrant bearing?
An azimuth is measured clockwise from north through a full 0 to 360 degrees. A quadrant bearing is an acute angle of 0 to 90 degrees measured from north or south toward east or west, like N30E.
How do I find a back azimuth?
Add 180 degrees to the azimuth and, if the result is 360 or more, subtract 360. So 30 degrees becomes 210, and 210 becomes 30.
How is an azimuth split into quadrants?
0 to 90 is NE, 90 to 180 is SE measured from south, 180 to 270 is SW measured from south, and 270 to 360 is NW measured from north.
What do the cardinal directions look like?
Azimuths of 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees are due north, east, south and west, shown here as the single letters N, E, S and W.
What range must the azimuth be in?
The azimuth must be at least 0 and less than 360 degrees. A quadrant angle must be between 0 and 90 degrees. Values outside those ranges are rejected.
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