Free tool
GPS Coordinates Converter (DMS, Decimal, NMEA)
This free GPS coordinates converter switches latitude and longitude between decimal degrees, degrees minutes seconds (DMS), degrees and decimal minutes, and the NMEA format that many GPS trackers send.
Click the map to convert any point.
How to use the coordinates converter
- Paste a coordinate in any format, such as 28.6139, 28°36′50″N or 2836.834,N.
- The converter detects the format.
- Copy the result in the format you need.
Why GPS coordinates come in different formats
Maps and fleet software use decimal degrees (28.613900). Paper maps and survey documents often use degrees, minutes and seconds (28° 36′ 50.0″ N). GPS chips and many trackers report the NMEA format, where 2836.8340 means 28 degrees and 36.834 minutes.
Mixing them up is a classic tracker-integration bug: a value of 2836.834 read as decimal degrees puts a truck in the middle of nowhere. This converter shows all formats side by side so you can spot the mistake quickly.
Further reading: NMEA 0183 (Wikipedia)
Need this for your whole fleet?
Fleet Scanner reads 1,000+ tracker protocols and handles every coordinate format for you. See our supported GPS devices.
Coordinates Converter FAQs
How do I convert DMS to decimal degrees?
Decimal degrees = degrees + minutes / 60 + seconds / 3600. For south latitudes and west longitudes, the result is negative. The converter does this for you.
What is the NMEA coordinate format?
NMEA 0183 sentences write latitude as ddmm.mmmm and longitude as dddmm.mmmm, followed by N/S or E/W. For example 07712.5400,E is 77 degrees and 12.54 minutes east, or 77.209 in decimal degrees.
How many decimal places do I need?
Five decimal places is about 1 metre, which is more than enough for vehicle tracking. Six places is about 10 centimetres.