Bearing Calculator
Find the initial compass bearing between two coordinates.
Which way to head
To travel from one point to another across the globe, you need an initial bearing — the compass direction to set off in. This calculator derives it from the two sets of coordinates.
It reports the bearing in degrees from true north and the nearest compass point. Remember that on a great-circle route the bearing shifts as you go, so this is the heading at the start.
Precise and private
The calculation runs in your browser, so your coordinates are never uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an initial bearing?
The compass direction you would set out on to travel the great-circle path to a destination. It changes along the route.
How is it measured?
In degrees clockwise from true north, from 0 to 360, along with the nearest compass point.
Why does the bearing change?
On a curved Earth the great-circle path constantly curves, so the bearing at the start differs from the one at the end.
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