Nautical Bearing Converter
Convert between compass bearing in degrees and nautical bearing notation with quadrant reference.
Quadrant
3
Formula
## Nautical Bearings ### Three-Figure Bearing Bearings are always given as three digits measured clockwise from north: 000° to 360°. ### Quadrants | Quadrant | Range | Cardinal | |---|---|---| | Q1 | 000°-090° | N to E | | Q2 | 090°-180° | E to S | | Q3 | 180°-270° | S to W | | Q4 | 270°-360° | W to N | ### Reciprocal Bearing The opposite direction: add 180° (or subtract if over 180°). Used to find the return course.
Exemplo Resolvido
Analyze bearing 225°.
- 01Quadrant 3 (180°-270°): Southwest
- 02Reciprocal = 225 - 180 = 045° (Northeast)
- 03Approximate magnetic (-14° West US) = 239°
Perguntas Frequentes
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).
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