DMS Converter — Decimal Degrees ↔ Degrees, Minutes, Seconds
Free DMS converter for KML and map workflows: turn decimal degrees into degrees–minutes–seconds with N/S/E/W, or convert DMS back to decimal for Point Validator, Circle Generator, and Google Earth. Works for latitude and longitude — prefer decimals in KML files.
Key features
- Decimal → DMS with hemisphere letters (N/S/E/W)
- DMS → decimal for KML, Maps, and Workbench tools
- Latitude or longitude — pick the axis before converting
- Copy formatted DMS strings or decimal results instantly
What DMS Converter does
It converts between decimal degrees and sexagesimal DMS notation. Field notes and older GIS exports often use DMS; KML and most Workbench tools expect decimals — convert once here, then paste into Point Validator or Circle Generator.
Why local SEO and map teams use it
Client briefs and survey sheets may list coordinates as 17°26′24″ N. Convert to decimal before building coverage rings, rank grids, or Earth files so every downstream tool stays consistent.
Hemisphere and sign rules
Southern and western hemispheres are negative decimals. The converter applies N/S/E/W letters so you do not flip a pin across the globe when converting back to decimal.
How to use this tool (best practice)
1) Pick latitude or longitude. 2) Convert decimal → DMS or DMS → decimal. 3) Copy the result. 4) Paste into Point Validator or Latitude/Longitude Validator. Related: Point Validator checks the full pair.
Frequently asked questions
Is this DMS Converter free?
Yes. It is free on GBP Local Ranker’s KML Workbench at /free-tools/kml-workbench/dms — no login required for basic use.
What does DMS mean?
Degrees, Minutes, Seconds — a sexagesimal way to write angles on a sphere (latitude and longitude).
How many seconds in a degree?
3600 seconds per degree. One second of latitude is roughly 30 meters at the equator.
Should I use DMS in KML files?
Prefer decimal degrees in KML. Convert DMS to decimal here first, then paste into Point Validator or your KML generator.
Can I convert longitude too?
Yes — choose Longitude and use E/W hemisphere letters when converting.
Why is my value slightly different after round-trip?
Rounding in seconds can introduce tiny differences. Use more decimal places when precision matters.
Example Hyderabad latitude?
Decimal 17.4401 converts to about 17°26′24.36″ N — the demo value used across our Workbench tools.
What hemisphere letters are supported?
N and S for latitude; E and W for longitude. Southern and western hemispheres become negative decimals.
Can I paste a full DMS string?
Enter degrees, minutes, seconds, and hemisphere in the separate fields — mixed text strings are not parsed automatically.
Where is the full KML Workbench suite?
Open All KML Workbench Tools at /free-tools/kml-workbench for point validator, circle generator, destination, and more.