Degrees To Seconds
Convert degrees to arcseconds (seconds of arc) instantly with this free online converter. Use 1° = 3600″ for precise astronomy, navigation, and surveying calculations.
About This Calculator
The Degrees To Seconds Converter is a free online angle conversion tool that instantly converts any angle in degrees to its equivalent in arcseconds (seconds of arc). Whether you are an astronomer measuring angular separation between stars, an optics engineer calculating telescope resolution, or a surveyor working with precise bearings, this calculator delivers accurate results in a single click.
The conversion uses the standard angular relationship: 1 degree (1° = 1/360 of a full circle) equals 60 minutes of arc, and each minute of arc equals 60 seconds of arc. Therefore, to convert degrees to arcseconds, multiply the number of degrees by 3,600. For example, 15 degrees equals 54,000 arcseconds (15 × 3,600 = 54,000″), and 0.25 degrees equals 900 arcseconds. For fractional degrees, simply enter the decimal value (e.g., 0.5 for half a degree).
Regional Notes
Global: Degrees, minutes, and seconds of arc are the universal standard for angular measurement in astronomy, navigation, and cartography, used consistently across India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and all countries worldwide. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) recognize arcseconds (″) as the standard for precise angular measurements. In India, the Survey of India uses arcseconds for geodetic surveys; in the US, NOAA and NASA use them for satellite and space observations; and in the UK, the Royal Observatory Greenwich relies on arcseconds for celestial positioning. This converter supports all global regions with the same formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many arcseconds are in one degree?
One degree equals 3,600 arcseconds (″). This is because 1 degree has 60 minutes of arc, and each minute of arc has 60 seconds of arc (60 × 60 = 3,600).
What is the formula to convert degrees to arcseconds?
The formula is: arcseconds = degrees × 3,600. For example, 0.5 degrees equals 1,800 arcseconds, and 30 degrees equals 108,000 arcseconds.
What are arcseconds used for?
Arcseconds are primarily used in astronomy to measure celestial objects (e.g., the angular diameter of planets, star separation), in optics to specify telescope resolution (Dawes' limit), in navigation for precise bearing measurements, and in surveying for high-accuracy angle readings.
How do I convert arcseconds back to degrees?
To convert arcseconds back to degrees, divide the arcsecond value by 3,600. For instance, 7,200 arcseconds divided by 3,600 equals 2 degrees.
Is the arcsecond the same as a time second?
No. An arcsecond (″) is a unit of angle equal to 1/3,600 of a degree, while a time second is a unit of time. They share the name 'second' (from the Latin 'pars minuta secunda' meaning second small part) but measure entirely different quantities.
What is the resolution of the human eye in arcseconds?
The human eye can resolve details approximately 60 arcseconds (1 arcminute) apart under ideal conditions. For comparison, the Hubble Space Telescope can resolve details as small as 0.05 arcseconds.
Can I convert decimal degrees to degrees-minutes-seconds with this tool?
This calculator converts degrees directly to arcseconds only. For conversion between decimal degrees and degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS) format, visit our dedicated Degrees Minutes Seconds calculator at calculy.in/conversion/degrees-minutes-seconds.
How many arcseconds does the Moon subtend from Earth?
The Moon subtends about 1,860 to 2,000 arcseconds (roughly 0.5 degrees) in the sky, depending on its distance from Earth. This angular size helps astronomers calculate distances and plan observations.