Convert Decimal Degrees to Feet Calculator

This calculator converts decimal degrees to feet, which is useful for measuring distances in construction, surveying, and other applications where angular measurements need to be converted to linear measurements.

What is Decimal Degrees?

Decimal degrees is a way of expressing angles or directions as a single decimal number. It's commonly used in navigation, surveying, and geographic information systems. One degree is divided into 60 minutes, and each minute is divided into 60 seconds.

For example, 45.5° means 45 degrees and 30 minutes (since 0.5 × 60 = 30).

How to Convert Decimal Degrees to Feet

To convert decimal degrees to feet, you need to know the distance from the point of measurement to the center of the Earth's curvature. This is typically the radius of the Earth at the point of measurement.

The conversion involves calculating the arc length that corresponds to the given angle. The formula accounts for the Earth's curvature and converts the angular measurement to a linear distance in feet.

Conversion Formula

Formula: Feet = (Decimal Degrees × π × Radius in feet) / 180

Where π (pi) is approximately 3.141592653589793, and the radius of the Earth is approximately 20,902,231 feet at the equator.

The formula works by calculating the arc length that corresponds to the given angle. The Earth's radius is used as the reference distance.

Worked Example

Let's convert 1.5 decimal degrees to feet using the Earth's radius at the equator (20,902,231 feet).

Feet = (1.5 × π × 20,902,231) / 180

Feet ≈ (1.5 × 3.141592653589793 × 20,902,231) / 180

Feet ≈ (1.5 × 65,866,233.7) / 180

Feet ≈ 98,799,350.55 / 180

Feet ≈ 548,885.28 feet

So, 1.5 decimal degrees is approximately 548,885.28 feet at the Earth's equator.

FAQ

What is the difference between decimal degrees and degrees, minutes, seconds?: Decimal degrees express angles as a single decimal number, while degrees, minutes, seconds express angles as degrees, minutes, and seconds. Decimal degrees are easier to work with in calculations.
Why do I need to know the Earth's radius?: The Earth's radius is needed to calculate the arc length that corresponds to the given angle. The radius varies depending on the location, but the equatorial radius is commonly used for simplicity.
Can I use this calculator for other planets?: Yes, you can adjust the Earth's radius to the radius of another planet to convert decimal degrees to feet on that planet.
What if I'm measuring at a different latitude?: The Earth's radius changes with latitude. For more precise measurements, you should use the radius at the specific latitude where the measurement is taken.

About this calculator

Written by Calculator Editorial TeamPractical calculator research and UX writing

Reviewed by Practical Tools ReviewFormula logic, assumptions, and usability checks

Updated June 24, 2026. Formulas, assumptions, and limitations are shown directly on this page.

Formula and Sources

The conversion formula used in this calculator is based on standard trigonometric principles for converting angles to arc lengths. The Earth's radius at the equator is approximately 20,902,231 feet.

For more information on decimal degrees and coordinate systems, you can refer to the Wikipedia page on decimal degrees.