Convert Latitude and Longitude to Decimal Degrees in Excel

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Latitude and Longitude have often been defined in the DMS (Degree, Minute, and Second) system. For practical purposes, this DMS system needs to be transferred to the DD (Decimal Degree) system. In this article, we will show you simple and quick methods to convert Latitude and Longitude to decimal degrees in Excel.


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2 Simple Ways to Convert Latitude and Longitude to Decimal Degrees in Excel

There are many ways we can convert latitude and longitude data to decimal degrees. Here, we are listing a couple of easy but handy ways.

1. Using Manual Process

We will use basic mathematical procedures to convert Latitude and Longitude data to Decimal Degrees.

For that, let us have a sample data set.

dataset to convert into Decimal Degrees

Step 1:

For this method, we have to separate Degree, Minute, and Second values in different columns, and restructured the data table.

Here, we added a new column DD to store the converted result.

Now write the following formula in G5 and press ENTER.

=D5+E5/60+F5/3600

Convert Latitude and Longitude

And we will get the value in Decimal Degrees.

covert Latitude in Excel

Step 2:

Now, Hold and Drag the G5 cell downward.

Thus, we will get values in Decimal Degrees for other cells as well.

convert Latitude in Excel

Step 3:

For Longitude values, we will use the same procedures to separate Degree, Minute, and Second values in different columns. And using the same formula will have converted Decimal values in column G.

Longitude to Decimal Degrees

Read More: How to Create Latitude Longitude Converter in Excel (2 Examples)


2. Using String Manipulation Functions

String Manipulation using LEFT, MID, and FIND function is an easy way to convert DMS values to Decimal Degrees. Even though it is a complex formula, it is comparatively easy to use.

Step 1: 

First, add two columns where Decimal outputs will be shown.

Then, write the following formula in E5 and press ENTER.

=LEFT(C5, FIND("°",C5,1) - 1)+(MID(C5,FIND("°",C5,1)+1,(FIND("’",C5,1)-FIND("°",C5,1))-1)/60)+(MID(C5,FIND("’",C5,1)+1,(FIND("”",C5,1)-FIND("’",C5,1))-1)/3600)

Here, the LEFT function fetches the values ahead of “°”. First MID extracts the portion between “°” and “’”. Then last the MID function portion extracts the value after “’”. After extracting the values it sums them to produce the final value. The FIND function helps to initiate the search for the desired character within each portion.

How to convert Latitude to Degree Decimal

By doing so, we get our first Decimal value.

Now, Hold and Drag E5 downward.

thereby we get all the Decimal values.

convert to Decimal Degrees

Step 2:

For Longitude,

Write the following formula in F5 and Press ENTER.

=LEFT(D5, FIND("°",D5,1) - 1)+(MID(D5,FIND("°",D5,1)+1,(FIND("’",D5,1)-FIND("°",D5,1))-1)/60)+(MID(D5,FIND("’",D5,1)+1,(FIND("”",D5,1)-FIND("’",D5,1))-1)/3600)

convert for Longitude

This formula works exactly the same as the previous formula.

By doing so, we get our first Decimal value in Degrees. Then, Hold and Drag the F5 cell downward.

And, we get all other Decimal Degrees.

Read More: How to Convert Latitude and Longitude to Address in Excel


Decimal Degrees Calculator

We are providing you with a calculator attached to the Worksheet in the Download section. You can provide value there to get results in the blink of your eye.

converting Longitude to Decimal Degrees in excel


Conclusion

We have shown you a couple of easy ways to convert latitude and longitude to decimal degrees. Hope you will find it useful. You can check out other articles on this website related to the problem. If you have any queries related to these methods, please leave a comment.


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Sourav Kundu

Sourav Kundu

Bio: Hi, I am Sourav Kundu. I live in Adabor, Dhaka. I graduated in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from BUET. I am really excited to be a part of SOFTEKO family. I want to develop my research skill and find innovative solutions for the given problems.

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