Bearing Calculator
Calculate the initial true bearing from one GPS coordinate to another. The result is shown in degrees (0–360°) and as a 16-point compass direction.
Point A
Tip: paste a full pair here — e.g. 51.5074, -0.1278 or 51° 30′ N, 0° 07′ W
Point B
Tip: paste a full pair here — e.g. 51.5074, -0.1278 or 51° 30′ N, 0° 07′ W
How it works
The bearing is computed using the forward azimuth formula — the standard method for finding the initial heading of a great-circle route. The result is the true bearing (relative to geographic North, not magnetic North) at the departure point.
If you are navigating, apply your local magnetic declination to convert to a magnetic bearing.
Compass directions
The 16-point compass rose is used: N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW. Each point covers a 22.5° sector.
Notes
- This is the initial bearing at the start point — the bearing changes along a great-circle route.
- For constant bearing navigation, use a rhumb line (not calculated here).
- Bearings near the poles may be atypical — the calculator will warn you.
- Works in combination with the Distance Calculator.