Bhubon Costa
To denote angular dimensions, degrees, minutes, and seconds are commonly used (DMS). Because one-minute equals 60 seconds and one degree equals 60 minutes, you may describe angular observations in degrees and decimal fractions of degrees to simplify mathematical calculations. This article explains some customized functions to convert degrees, minutes, seconds to decimal degrees in Excel.
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2 Ways to Convert Degrees Minutes Seconds to Decimal Degrees in Excel
We’ll utilize Excel’s built-in options first, then use a formula to convert the degrees to decimal format in the sections below. Later on, we’ll use VBA code to create a custom option for decimal conversion. Here is an example data set that we will use to accomplish it.
1. Apply a Formula to Convert Degrees Minutes Seconds to Decimal Degrees in Excel
We’ll start by using a formula to convert degrees, minutes, and seconds to decimal format. To do so, we must first remove the degrees, minutes, and seconds symbols before using the formula. Follow the instructions below to do so.
Step 1:
- First of all, copy the degree (°)
Step 2:
- Select the cells.
Step 3:
- Click on the Data.
- Then, select the Text to Columns.
Step 4:
- Choose the Delimited.
- After that, click on the Next.
Step 5:
- From the options, click on the Other.
Step 6:
- Paste the degree (°).
- Then, click on the Next.
Step 7:
- After that, click on the Finish.
Step 8:
- Therefore, you see that degrees are separated and the symbols are removed.
Step 9:
- To remove the minutes (’) symbol, repeat the previous steps after copying the minutes (’).
- Simply, paste the minutes (’) symbol in the box.
- Then, click on the Next.
Step 10:
- As before, click on the Finish.
Step 11:
- Again, for eliminating the seconds (”) symbol, paste the symbol in the box.
- After that, select the Next.
Step 12:
- Finally, click on the Finish option again as we do before.
- As a result, the degrees will be separated into degrees, minutes, and seconds without the symbols.
Step 13:
- Type the formula in cell F5 to convert the degrees, minutes, and seconds into decimal degrees.
=B5+C5/60+D5/3600
Step 14:
- Press Enter to see the conversion.
Step 15:
- Use the AutoFill tool to autofill the next cells.
Read More: How to Convert Hours and Minutes to Decimal in Excel (2 Cases)
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2. Run a VBA Code to Convert Degrees Minutes Seconds to Decimal Degrees in Excel
When converting degrees to decimal fractions, VBA offers a handy option. We’ll create a custom function to do the conversion in a matter of seconds, regardless of the symbols involved. Follow the steps outlined below to complete it.
Step 1:
- Firstly, press Alt + F11 to start a Macro.
- Click on the Insert.
- Then choose the Module.
Step 2:
- Paste the following VBA.
Function Convert_to_Decimal(Degree As String) As Double
'At first Declare the variables
Dim deg As Double
Dim min As Double
Dim sec As Double
' Replace Degree set degree to value before "°"
Degree = Replace(Degree, "~", "°")
deg = CDbl(Left(Degree, InStr(1, Degree, "°") - 1))
' between "°" and "'" set minutes to a value
' as for the Degree variable divided by
' 60. Val is a function that turns a text string into a number.
min = CDbl(Mid(Degree, InStr(1, Degree, "°") + 1, _
InStr(1, Degree, "'") - InStr(1, Degree, "°") - 1)) / 60
' Set the second counter to the number to the right of "'," which is
' changed to a number, and after that divided by 3600
sec = CDbl(Mid(Degree, InStr(1, Degree, "'") + _
1, Len(Degree) - InStr(1, Degree, "'") - 1)) / 3600
Convert_to_Decimal = deg + min + sec
End Function- Save the program and press F5 to run it.
Step 3:
- Therefore, you will see a new function will appear named Convert_to_Decimal. Simply, write the following formula.
=Convert_to_Decimal(B5)
- As a result, you will get the changed value of the degree.
Step 4:
- Finally, use the AutoFill tool to fill the next cells.
Read More: How to Convert Text to Number with Excel VBA (3 Examples with Macros)
Conclusion
To summarize, I hope you now have a firm grasp on how to convert degrees minutes seconds to decimal degrees in Excel. These methods should all be taught and used to your data. Examine the practice book and apply what you’ve learned. We’re inspired to keep producing seminars like this because of your important support.
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Hi I am trying to use Convert_to_Decimal in VB. I have also tried the function from the Microsoft website, which appears to be the same coding. I am unable to get it to work, it returns a #VALUE. I don’t have a great understanding of the code and am wondering if other users have come across this issue and there is a solution.
Could you help me with this issue.
Much appreciation
Justin
Greetings Justin,
#VALUE error occurs when the function doesn’t find any recognized source value. It might have occurred if the degree values were not in degree formats. Follow the steps below to convert the value into degree format first and then apply the function Convert_to_Decimal with our VBA.
Step 1:
Add a degree (°) symbol after a number with a keyboard shortcut.
(Example: 32°).
Step 2:
Add a minute (‘) symbol after the minute’s value with the apostrophe (‘) key from the keyboard (Example: 16’).
Step 3:
Add a second (“) symbol after the second’s value by pressing
(Example: 48″)
Step 4:
Your degree format will show like (32°16’48”).
Finally, apply the Convert_to_Decimal function to the degree value.
Hope this will work with your issue. You can also mail us the Excel file. We will provide the Excel file with the required solution. Please give us your further feedback.