A latitude/longitude validator checks that geographic coordinates are within valid ranges and in a recognized format. Supports decimal degrees (40.7128, -74.0060), degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS), and degrees-decimal minutes (DDM). Enter coordinates below to validate and convert between formats.
Enter lat, lon as a pair, or use the individual fields below
Coordinate Formats
Validation Checks
View on Map
Quick Examples
How to Use the Latitude/Longitude Validator
Geographic coordinates identify any point on Earth. The latitude/longitude system is used everywhere from GPS devices to Google Maps APIs to geospatial databases. This validator checks that your coordinates are within valid ranges and in a recognized format, then converts between all three standard representations.
Step 1: Enter Your Coordinates
You can enter coordinates three ways: (1) as a comma-separated pair in the combined field (e.g., "40.7128, -74.0060"), (2) separately in the latitude and longitude fields, or (3) in any supported format — decimal degrees, DMS, or DDM. Click one of the Quick Examples to see how it works.
Step 2: Click Validate
The validator checks six conditions: latitude within -90 to 90, longitude within -180 to 180, recognized format, minutes 0-59, seconds 0-59.999 (for DMS), and correct direction indicators (N/S for latitude, E/W for longitude). All six checks appear in the checklist.
Step 3: View All Format Conversions
For valid coordinates, the tool shows all three formats: Decimal Degrees (most useful for APIs and databases), DMS (traditional navigation format with degrees/minutes/seconds), and DDM (degrees + decimal minutes, standard in aviation GPS). Use the Google Maps and OpenStreetMap links to visually confirm the location.
Understanding Coordinate Ranges
Latitude ranges from -90° (South Pole) to +90° (North Pole). The equator is 0°. Longitude ranges from -180° to +180°, with the prime meridian (Greenwich) at 0°. Negative longitude values represent the Western Hemisphere (Americas), while positive values represent the Eastern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, Australia). The coordinate 0°, 0° is in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa — an uninhabited ocean point sometimes called "Null Island."
FAQ
What coordinate formats does this validator support?
This tool supports three standard formats: Decimal Degrees (DD) like 40.7128, -74.0060; Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS) like 40° 42' 46" N, 74° 0' 21" W; and Degrees Decimal Minutes (DDM) like 40° 42.768' N, 74° 0.360' W. All are automatically detected and converted between each other.
What are the valid ranges for latitude and longitude?
Latitude must be between -90 and +90 degrees (negative = South, positive = North). Longitude must be between -180 and +180 degrees (negative = West, positive = East). The poles are 90°N and 90°S. The antimeridian is 180° longitude.
Is my coordinate data private?
Yes, all validation runs entirely in your browser. No coordinate data is sent to any server. This tool works offline once loaded.
How do I enter DMS coordinates?
Enter degrees, minutes, and seconds separated by symbols or spaces: 40° 42' 46.08" N or 40d 42m 46.08s N. For longitude: 74° 0' 21.6" W or -74° 0' 21.6". The direction letter (N/S/E/W) or negative sign for South/West are both accepted.
What is the difference between DD, DMS, and DDM?
Decimal Degrees (DD) is the simplest format used by GPS devices and APIs: 40.7128, -74.0060. DMS (Degrees-Minutes-Seconds) is the traditional format used in navigation: 40° 42' 46" N. DDM (Degrees-Decimal Minutes) is used by aviation GPS: 40° 42.768' N. All three represent the same point.
Can I enter coordinates as a comma-separated pair?
Yes, you can enter coordinates as a single comma-separated pair in the main input field: 40.7128, -74.0060. The tool will automatically split and validate both values. You can also enter latitude and longitude separately in the two individual fields.