Angle Between Bearings Calculator

Calculator Input

Input Mode

Result Precision

Bearing Note

Label for Bearing A

Label for Bearing B

Bearing A in Decimal Degrees

Bearing B in Decimal Degrees

Bearing A Degrees

Bearing A Minutes

Bearing A Seconds

Bearing B Degrees

Bearing B Minutes

Bearing B Seconds

Example Data Table

These sample values help verify the calculator output.

Example	Bearing A	Bearing B	Clockwise Angle	Anticlockwise Angle	Smaller Included Angle
Survey Line 1	35°	120°	85°	275°	85°
Survey Line 2	290°	40°	110°	250°	110°
Navigation Check	145°	20°	235°	125°	125°
Compass Adjustment	350°	10°	20°	340°	20°

Formula Used

Normalized Bearing = bearing mod 360. If negative, add 360.
Clockwise Angle = (Bearing B − Bearing A + 360) mod 360.
Anticlockwise Angle = (Bearing A − Bearing B + 360) mod 360.
Smaller Included Angle = minimum of clockwise and anticlockwise angles.
Reflex Angle = 360 − smaller included angle.
DMS to Decimal = Degrees + Minutes/60 + Seconds/3600.

Bearings are measured clockwise from North, so this calculator treats 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° as North, East, South, and West.

How to Use This Calculator

Select your preferred input mode: decimal degrees or DMS.
Enter the two bearings you want to compare.
Choose the number of decimal places for the result.
Add custom labels if you want the graph and result cards named clearly.
Press Calculate Angle to show the result section above the form.
Review the clockwise, anticlockwise, smaller, and reflex angles.
Use the graph to visualize the directional gap between bearings.
Download the results as CSV or PDF when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does angle between bearings mean?

It is the angular difference between two compass bearings measured from North. The calculator shows both turning directions and the smaller included angle so you can choose the most useful interpretation.

2. Why are there clockwise and anticlockwise answers?

From one bearing to another, you can rotate in two directions around the full circle. One route is clockwise and the other is anticlockwise. Their totals always add to 360°.

3. What is the smaller included angle?

The smaller included angle is the shorter turn between the two bearings. It is commonly used in geometry, surveying, and navigation when the least directional change is needed.

4. Can I enter values greater than 360°?

Yes. The calculator normalizes all bearings into the 0° to 360° range. For example, 400° becomes 40°, and negative values are shifted into the same compass circle.

5. Does this tool support DMS input?

Yes. Choose the DMS mode to enter degrees, minutes, and seconds separately. The calculator converts them to decimal bearings before finding clockwise, anticlockwise, and smaller included angles.

6. Where is this calculator useful?

It helps in navigation, compass work, land surveying, map reading, geometry tasks, and classroom exercises. It is especially useful when you need a quick, reliable difference between two directional bearings.

7. What does the reflex angle show?

The reflex angle is the larger turn between the two bearings. It equals 360° minus the smaller included angle and is useful when the longer turning path matters.

8. Does the graph follow compass convention?

Yes. The plot uses North at the top and increases angles clockwise, which matches standard bearing convention. That makes the visual result easier to compare with maps and compass readings.