1. What does this tool do
This free online compass gives you live heading on your phone or tablet and convert between degrees and cardinal directions—all in your browser, no server. Device Compass: use your device’s magnetometer for real-time heading (0–360° and N, NE, E, …). Bearing Converter: convert degrees to direction (N, NNE, NE, …) or cardinal to degrees. No sign-up, no upload. Ideal for outdoor navigation, maps and GIS, marine and aviation, or education.
2. How to use it
Quick start: Device Compass tab—tap "Enable compass" and allow permission; hold device flat for live heading (phones/tablets). Bearing Converter tab—choose Degrees → Cardinal or Cardinal → Degrees, enter value, then copy the result.
- Device Compass tab — Tap "Enable compass" to grant permission. On iOS, allow device orientation access. Hold your device flat; the needle and heading update in real time. Works best on phones and tablets.
- Bearing Converter tab — Choose "Degrees → Cardinal" to convert an angle (e.g. 45) to a direction (NE), or "Cardinal → Degrees" for the reverse. Enter a value or select a cardinal; the result appears instantly. Copy with one click.
- Switch tabs — Move between Device Compass and Bearing Converter as needed.
3. How it works
Device Compass: Uses the browser's deviceorientation event. On Chrome for Android, heading from alpha; on Safari for iOS, webkitCompassHeading (after permission). A fixed compass rose shows N, E, S, W; the needle rotates with the heading. Requires HTTPS and a device with orientation sensors. Bearing Converter: Maps degrees to 16 cardinal points using 22.5° slices (0° = N, 45° = NE, etc.). All computation runs entirely in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
4. Use cases & examples
- Outdoor navigation — Check which way you're facing when hiking or orienteering.
- Maps & GIS — Convert bearing values between numeric and cardinal formats.
- Marine & aviation — Translate heading reports (e.g. "heading 315°" → NW).
- Education — Teach compass directions and angle-to-bearing conversion.
Examples
- 0 → N, 45 → NE, 90 → E, 180 → S, 315 → NW
- N → 0°, NNE → 22.5°, NE → 45°, E → 90°, NW → 315°
5. Limitations & known constraints
- Device Compass — Requires HTTPS. Desktop PCs typically lack magnetometer; use the Bearing Converter tab instead. iOS 13+ requires explicit permission. Some environments may block device orientation.
- Bearing Converter — 16-point compass only (no 32-point). Input capped at 20 characters. Degrees outside 0–360 are normalized into that range.