One degree is 3,600 arcseconds. Star positions, telescope resolution and parallax are measured in arcseconds.
How to use the Degrees to Arcseconds Converter
- Type the number of degrees into the Degrees field. Decimals such as 0.5 are fine.
- Read the answer in Arcseconds – it updates as you type, with no button to press.
- To convert the other way, type into Arcseconds and the degrees are recalculated.
- Press Copy results to copy both values with the page title, or Copy link to share this exact conversion.
This page converts only ° ⇄ ″. Need a different unit? Use the general angle converter, where you can choose any “from” and “to” unit.
How it works
Both units measure angle, so they are always in the same ratio: one degree equals 3,600 arcseconds. The calculator multiplies the number of degrees you type by 3,600 to give arcseconds, and when you type into the arcseconds field it divides by the same factor to give degrees. Because the ratio never changes, doubling the degrees always doubles the arcseconds. Results are calculated at full precision and rounded only for display (up to eight decimal places, with very large or small values shown in scientific notation).
How to convert degrees to arcseconds
- Write down the value in degrees, for example 1 °.
- Multiply by the conversion factor 3,600 (because 1 degree = 3,600 ″).
- 1 × 3,600 = 3,600 ″.
- To go back from arcseconds to degrees, divide by 3,600 – or multiply by 0.00027777778.
° to ″ conversion table
| Degrees | Arcseconds | Arcseconds | Degrees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.001 ° | 3.6 ″ | 1 ″ | 0.00027777778 ° |
| 0.01 ° | 36 ″ | 2 ″ | 0.00055555556 ° |
| 0.1 ° | 360 ″ | 5 ″ | 0.0013888889 ° |
| 0.5 ° | 1,800 ″ | 10 ″ | 0.0027777778 ° |
| 1 ° | 3,600 ″ | 20 ″ | 0.0055555556 ° |
| 2 ° | 7,200 ″ | 50 ″ | 0.013888889 ° |
| 100 ″ | 0.027777778 ° | ||
| 1,000 ″ | 0.27777778 ° |
What is a degree?
A degree is 1/360 of a full turn. Navigation, construction and geometry use degrees.
What is an arcsecond?
An arcsecond is 1/3,600 of a degree. Astronomers use arcseconds for star positions and the resolving power of telescopes.
Common mistakes to avoid
Feeding degrees into a calculator set to radians (or the reverse), and reading decimal degrees as degrees and minutes.
Formula
1 ° = 3,600 ″1 ″ = 0.00027777778 °″ = ° × 3,600Worked example
Inputs — Degrees: 1 °.
Results — Arcseconds = 3,600 ″.
Frequently asked questions
How many arcseconds in a degree?
3,600.
How big is the full Moon?
About 0.5° or 1,800 arcseconds.
How do I convert degrees to arcseconds?
Multiply the number of degrees by 3,600. For example, 1 ° × 3,600 = 3,600 ″.
How do I convert arcseconds back to degrees?
Divide by 3,600 (or multiply by 0.00027777778), or simply type the value into the arcseconds field above.
What is 2 ° in arcseconds?
2 ° = 7,200 ″.
Is this conversion exact?
Yes. The factor comes from the official definitions of both units (NIST and the SI), so the only difference you may see is rounding in the last displayed digit.
Can I convert to other units on this page?
This page converts only between degrees and arcseconds. To pick any angle unit, use the general angle converter linked under Related calculators.
What formula does the Degrees to Arcseconds Converter use?
1 ° = 3,600 ″.