What is a reciprocal bearing?

The bearing in the exact opposite direction. If you are heading 225° (SW), the reciprocal is 045° (NE). Used to navigate back the way you came.

What is magnetic declination?

The difference between true north and magnetic north at your location. In the western US it is about 10-15° east (add to true bearing for magnetic). In the eastern US it is 10-20° west (subtract).

Nautical Bearing Converter

Convert between compass bearing in degrees and nautical bearing notation with quadrant reference.

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Bearing from North (°)

Quadrant

Reciprocal Bearing45 °

Magnetic (West US, -14° decl.)239 °

View formula & how it works →

Nautical Bearings

Three-Figure Bearing

Bearings are always given as three digits measured clockwise from north: 000° to 360°.

Quadrants

QuadrantRangeCardinal Q1000°-090°N to E Q2090°-180°E to S Q3180°-270°S to W Q4270°-360°W to N

Reciprocal Bearing

The opposite direction: add 180° (or subtract if over 180°). Used to find the return course.

Example Calculation

Analyze bearing 225°.

01Quadrant 3 (180°-270°): Southwest
02Reciprocal = 225 - 180 = 045° (Northeast)
03Approximate magnetic (-14° West US) = 239°

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