Convert Degrees to Arcminutes - Angle Converter
This tool converts plane angle values from degrees (°) to arcminutes (′) and vice versa. Use it for tasks in surveying, navigation, astronomy, cartography, and any application where angular subdivisions are required.
The conversion follows standard unit definitions used in scientific and government references: one degree equals sixty arcminutes. Results are presented with clear rounding guidance and notes on instrument resolution and measurement uncertainty.
Governance
Record 132740c2c594 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Interactive Converter
Convert between degree and arcminute with precision rounding.
Quick reference table
| Degree | Arcminute |
|---|---|
| 1 ° | 60 arcmin |
| 5 ° | 300.0001 arcmin |
| 10 ° | 600.0003 arcmin |
| 25 ° | 1,500.0006 arcmin |
| 50 ° | 3,000.0013 arcmin |
| 100 ° | 6,000.0026 arcmin |
Methodology
We apply the exact arithmetic relationship between the units: 1 degree = 60 arcminutes. The converter performs a straightforward multiplication or division using IEEE-754 floating-point arithmetic and then formats the displayed value according to common precision needs.
For high-precision requirements (surveying, astrometry), consider instrument resolution and calibration error before relying on the converted value as a measurement. When converting values measured in degrees, include the measurement uncertainty from your instrument or procedure; rounding alone does not account for systematic error.
When converting formatted sexagesimal inputs (degrees, minutes, seconds), first convert those to decimal degrees (degrees + minutes/60 + seconds/3600), then convert to arcminutes. Conversely, to present arcminutes as DMS, divide to produce degrees and residual minutes/seconds.
Worked examples
Convert 12.345° to arcminutes: 12.345 × 60 = 740.7′.
Convert 3600′ to degrees: 3600 ÷ 60 = 60°.
F.A.Q.
What is an arcminute?
An arcminute (symbol ′) is 1/60 of a degree. It is a unit used to express small angular distances in navigation, mapping, and astronomy.
How does this relate to arcseconds?
One arcminute equals 60 arcseconds (1′ = 60″). Therefore 1 degree = 60′ = 3600″.
How many significant digits should I display?
Display as many digits as your measurement uncertainty warrants. For coarse work, 1–2 decimal places in arcminutes is usually sufficient; for precision surveying or astronomy, preserve more digits and include instrument uncertainty from calibration records.
Can I convert sexagesimal (D° M′ S″) inputs?
Yes. Convert D° M′ S″ to decimal degrees first: decimal_degrees = D + M/60 + S/3600. Then convert decimal degrees to arcminutes by multiplying by 60.
Does this tool account for instrument calibration or measurement error?
No — this converter performs exact unit arithmetic only. For measurements, combine this conversion with your instrument's stated uncertainty, calibration certificates, or standard operating procedures before making decisions.
Are degrees SI units?
The radian is the SI coherent unit for plane angle; the degree is an accepted non-SI unit for use with the SI. The numerical relationship used here (1° = 60′) is exact and independent of SI conventions.
Sources & citations
- NIST — Units and Values (angle units reference) — https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/angle.html
- NOAA/NOS — Latitude and Longitude (practical use of degrees, minutes, seconds) — https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/latlong.html
- MIT OpenCourseWare — mathematics and angle references (education material) — https://ocw.mit.edu
- ISO 80000-3:2019 — Space and time — https://www.iso.org/standard/64974.html
- NIST SP 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units — https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811
Further resources
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: 132740c2c594What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-08 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-08 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Engine
v1.0.0
Data
Baseline (no external datasets)
Content
v1.0.0
UI
v1.0.0
Governance
Last updated: Nov 8, 2025
Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)
Credentials: Internal QA
Risk level: low
Reviewer profile (entity)
Fidamen Standards Committee
Review board
Internal QA
Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person
Semantic versioning
- MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
- MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
- PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.
Review protocol
- Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
- Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
- Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
- Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
- Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
- Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.
Change log
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-08 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: 25e40627b43f