What is a compass bearing?

A bearing is an angle measured clockwise from true north. 0° is due north, 90° is due east, 180° is due south, 270° is due west.

What is the difference between true and magnetic north?

True north points to the geographic North Pole. Magnetic north is where a compass needle points and varies by location (magnetic declination). The difference can be significant for precise navigation.

Compass Bearing Converter

Convert between compass bearing in degrees and cardinal direction notation (N, NE, E, etc.).

Save

Bearing (degrees from North)

Cardinal Direction

Radians2.3562 rad

NATO Mils2,400 mils

View formula & how it works →

Compass Bearings

Cardinal Directions and Degrees

BearingDirection 0° (360°)North (N) 45°Northeast (NE) 90°East (E) 135°Southeast (SE) 180°South (S) 225°Southwest (SW) 270°West (W) 315°Northwest (NW)

Bearings are measured clockwise from true North. Output values: 1=N, 2=NE, 3=E, 4=SE, 5=S, 6=SW, 7=W, 8=NW.

Example Calculation

Convert 135° bearing.

01135° falls between 112.5° and 157.5°
02Direction: Southeast (SE)
03NATO mils = 135 x 17.78 = 2,400 mils

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More

Metric vs Imperial: A Complete Guide to the Two Measurement Systems

Understand the differences between the metric and imperial measurement systems. Learn their history, how they compare, and when to use each system for length, weight, volume, and temperature.

Compass Bearing Converter

Compass Bearings

Cardinal Directions and Degrees

Example Calculation

Frequently Asked Questions

Metric vs Imperial: A Complete Guide to the Two Measurement Systems

Related Calculators

Degrees to DMS

Angle Converter