One arcsecond is 1/3600 degree.
Arcseconds to Degrees Converter — arcsec to deg
Convert Arcsecond (arcsec) to Degree (deg) using the exact conversion factor (1 arcsecond = 0.0002777778 degree). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Arcseconds to Degrees converter
Converter
Angle Converter
Convert radians, degrees, gradians, turns, arcminutes, arcseconds, and milliradians.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A degree is pi/180 radians.
Result = input x 4.84813681e-6 / 0.01745329252.
Angle uses radians as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Arcseconds to Degrees
Arcsecond and Degree are the two standard ways to measure angles — degrees for everyday and navigational use, radians for calculus and physics — so converting between them comes up constantly in math, engineering, and programming. Specifically: One arcsecond is 1/3600 degree, and a degree is pi/180 radians.
Formula
degrees = arcseconds × 0.000277777777778
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 arcsecond equals 0.0000048481368111 base units, and 1 degree equals 0.0174532925199 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct arcsecond-to-degree factor of 0.000277777777778.
Simple example
1 arcsec × 0.0002777777778 = 0.0002777778 deg
1 arcsecond = 0.0002777778 degrees.
Real-world example
90 arcsec × 0.0002777777778 = 0.025 deg
90 arcseconds = 0.025 degrees.
Conversion table
| Arcsecond (arcsec) | Degree (deg) |
|---|---|
| 0 arcsec | 0 deg |
| 30 arcsec | 0.0083333333 deg |
| 45 arcsec | 0.0125 deg |
| 90 arcsec | 0.025 deg |
| 180 arcsec | 0.05 deg |
| 360 arcsec | 0.1 deg |
Reverse conversion: Degree to Arcsecond
0.0002777778 deg × 3600 = 1.00000008 arcsec
0.0002777778 degrees = 1.00000008 arcseconds.
arcseconds = degrees × 3600
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Degree to Arcsecond.
Understanding the Arcsecond (arcsec)
One arcsecond is 1/3600 degree.
Understanding the Degree
Degree (deg) measures angle. A degree is 1/360 of a full rotation, a division dating to Babylonian base-60 astronomy. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI.
Where it's used: Used worldwide for navigation, geography, and everyday angle measurement.
Uses of the Degree today
- Navigation and cartography (latitude/longitude)
- Construction and surveying
- Everyday angle measurement (protractors, sports)
History of the Degree
The 360-degree circle traces to ancient Babylonian astronomy, whose base-60 (sexagesimal) number system made 360 — divisible by many small numbers — a practical choice for dividing a circle. The convention passed through Greek astronomy (Hipparchus, Ptolemy) into common use.
Historical origin. Degree was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Degree — sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Lists the degree among non-SI units accepted for use with SI.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many degrees are in 1 arcsecond?
1 arcsecond equals 0.0002777778 degrees, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert arcsecond to degree?
Multiply the arcsecond value by 0.0002777777778. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert degree back to arcsecond?
Use the reverse factor: 1 degree equals 3,600 arcseconds. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a arcsecond?
Arcsecond (arcsec) is a unit of angle.
What is a degree?
Degree (deg) measures angle. A degree is 1/360 of a full rotation, a division dating to Babylonian base-60 astronomy. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI.
Is the arcsecond to degree conversion exact?
Yes. Both arcsecond and degree are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.0002777777778 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.