Azimuth Calculator
Initial bearing between two coordinates.
Initial bearing
51.21
°Introduction
Calculate the forward azimuth (bearing in degrees from north) from one lat/lon point to another along a great-circle path. Use The Daily Tools' Azimuth Calculator for private, browser-based processing — no account or server upload required.
What is Azimuth Calculator?
Use this calculator when you need the direction from a starting point to a destination. It reports the initial azimuth clockwise from true north: 0° north, 90° east, 180° south, and 270° west. It is not a magnetic-compass correction or a sun-position calculator.
Definition: Azimuth Calculator finds the initial true bearing from one latitude/longitude coordinate to another along a great-circle route.
Calculation steps
- Configure the inputs shown in the Azimuth Calculator form above.
- The tool applies the method described by its inputs and result labels.
- Review the result and the assumptions used to produce it.
- Use the related tools below when you need a different earth task.
Worked example
Example: initial bearing from London to New York
Inputs: London = 51.5074°, −0.1278°; New York = 40.7128°, −74.0060°
- Enter the start latitude and longitude for London.
- Enter the destination latitude and longitude for New York.
- Read the initial true bearing, then apply local magnetic declination separately if navigating by compass.
The starting direction is roughly west-northwest; the bearing changes as you follow a great-circle route.
Use cases
- Checking a true bearing between two mapped coordinates
- Planning an initial antenna, surveying, or navigation direction
- Comparing a coordinate bearing with great-circle distance
Advantages
- Browser-based processing — entered values and selected files are not sent to our servers
- No account required
- Instant results with a clean, readable interface
Limitations
- The result is an initial great-circle bearing, not a constant compass course.
- Coordinates must use the correct north/south and east/west signs.
- Magnetic declination, terrain, airspace, local hazards, and navigation rules are not included.
Frequently asked questions
- Is azimuth the same as a compass bearing?
- It can describe a compass direction, but this result is referenced to true north. A magnetic compass needs a local declination correction.
- Why does the bearing change during a long trip?
- A great-circle route curves across the globe. The initial azimuth is the direction at the start, not necessarily the heading for the entire journey.
- Can I enter west longitude as a positive number?
- No. Use a negative longitude for west and a positive longitude for east when entering decimal degrees.
- Is the Azimuth Calculator free to use?
- Yes. Azimuth Calculator on The Daily Tools is completely free, requires no account, and runs entirely in your browser.
- Does The Daily Tools store my inputs?
- No. Your numbers and text never leave your device. The Daily Tools has no backend database for calculator inputs.
- Who should use the Azimuth Calculator?
- Anyone who needs a clear earth and weather calculation and wants to check the assumptions used.
- How accurate is the Azimuth Calculator?
- Results are computed locally using established methods for earth. Treat outputs as estimates, not professional advice.
- Can I use the Azimuth Calculator on mobile?
- Yes. The Daily Tools is fully responsive and works on phones, tablets, and desktops.
Sources & references
Key points
- Azimuth Calculator is a free, browser-based calculator for initial bearing between two coordinates.
- Initial bearing between two coordinates.
- Private, browser-only processing
- Private, browser-based processing