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Compass Bearing Calculator

Convert between true, magnetic and compass bearings using variation and deviation.

Enter values

West is negative, east is positive

Results update as you type.

Result

True bearing

45 °

Compass to true: add east, subtract west. The old rule is "Can Dead Men Vote Twice — At Elections".

Magnetic bearing
47 °
Compass bearing
46 °
Compass point
NE
Reciprocal (true)
225 °
Total correction
-1 °

About the Compass Bearing Calculator

Convert between true, magnetic and compass bearings using variation and deviation.

Also known as: magnetic bearing converter, true to magnetic, compass correction, variation deviation.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter i have a, bearing, magnetic variation, compass deviation.
  2. The result updates instantly as you type — press Calculate (or Enter) at any time.
  3. Review the breakdown shown under the main result.
  4. Use Copy result or Share to save the answer or send a link with your inputs.

Formula

true = compass + deviation + variation

Worked example

Using the values pre-filled in the calculator above:

  • I have a: True bearing
  • Bearing = 45 °
  • Magnetic variation = -2 °
  • Compass deviation = 1 °

the calculator returns:

  • True bearing: 45 °
  • Magnetic bearing: 47 °
  • Compass bearing: 46 °
  • Compass point: NE