What is the difference between initial bearing and constant bearing?

The initial bearing (forward azimuth) is the compass direction at the starting point. Along a great circle path this heading changes continuously. A rhumb line (loxodrome) maintains a constant bearing but is not the shortest path over long distances. This tool calculates the initial bearing only.

What coordinate format does this tool accept?

Decimal degrees only. Enter positive values for North latitude and East longitude, negative for South and West. For example, Paris is 48.8566, 2.3522 and Los Angeles is 34.0522, -118.2437.

Does this give True North or Magnetic North bearing?

The result is a True North bearing computed from geographic (geodetic) coordinates. To convert to Magnetic North you must apply the local magnetic declination for your location and date.

What happens when the two points are identical?

When origin and destination are the same coordinates, the bearing is mathematically undefined (atan2(0,0)). The tool displays an error asking you to enter distinct coordinates.

How accurate is the formula?

The spherical formula is accurate to better than 0.01° for most practical purposes. For very precise geodetic work over short distances on an ellipsoidal Earth, use the Vincenty inverse formula instead.

Bearing Calculator

Name: Bearing Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Calculate the compass bearing (azimuth) between two geographic coordinates using the forward azimuth formula.

Coordinates Input

Quick Examples

A Point A — Origin

Latitude (°N positive)

Longitude (°E positive)

B Point B — Destination

Latitude (°N positive)

Longitude (°E positive)

Enter coordinates or pick an example, then click Calculate Bearing.

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Summary

Calculate the compass bearing (azimuth) between two geographic coordinates using the forward azimuth formula.

How it works

Enter the latitude and longitude (decimal degrees) for Point A (origin) and Point B (destination).
Positive latitude = North; negative = South. Positive longitude = East; negative = West.
The tool applies the forward azimuth formula: θ = atan2(sin(Δλ)·cos(φ2), cos(φ1)·sin(φ2) − sin(φ1)·cos(φ2)·cos(Δλ)).
The result is normalized to a 0°–360° bearing measured clockwise from True North.
A compass rose highlights the computed direction, and the nearest cardinal or intercardinal label is shown.
Optionally swap the two points to get the reverse bearing in one click.

Use cases

Align a directional radio antenna toward a target station or satellite.
Plan a hiking or sailing route from one waypoint to the next.
Point a telescope or dish antenna at a known sky object from your location.
Verify the orientation of a building or runway relative to magnetic North.
Determine the bearing from a control point to a survey marker.
Compute the back-azimuth by swapping origin and destination coordinates.
Cross-check GIS bearing calculations during geographic data processing.
Help pilots or drone operators understand departure headings before takeoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related tools

Great Circle Distance Calculator Haversine Distance Calculator Vincenty Inverse Calculator

Last updated: 2026-05-29 · Reviewed by Nham Vu