Convert Arcminutes to Arcseconds
Convert Arcminutes (′) to Arcseconds (″) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
″ = ′ × 60
About Arcminutes
An arcminute (′) is 1/60 of a degree - π/10,800 rad ≈ 2.909 × 10⁻⁴ rad. One arcminute of latitude equals exactly one nautical mile (1,852 m), which is the origin of the nautical mile unit. The Moon and Sun both subtend ~30 arcminutes in apparent diameter - the coincidence exploited in total solar eclipses. Human 20/20 visual acuity resolves letters 5 arcminutes tall at 6 m. Binocular and telescope apparent fields of view are quoted in arcminutes. 1′ = π/10,800 rad ≈ 0.01667° ≈ 290.9 µrad.
About Arcseconds
An arcsecond (″) is 1/3,600 of a degree - π/648,000 rad ≈ 4.848 × 10⁻⁶ rad. It is the fundamental resolution unit of classical astronomy and geodetic surveying. The Hubble Space Telescope delivers ~0.05″ resolution; atmospheric seeing at excellent sites gives 0.4-0.6″. Stellar parallax of Proxima Centauri is 0.7687″, defining its distance of 1.3009 parsecs. The parsec is defined as the distance at which 1 AU subtends exactly 1 arcsecond - giving 1 pc = 3.0857 × 10¹⁶ m. 1″ = π/648,000 rad ≈ 4.848 µrad.
Quick Reference Table
| Arcminutes (′) | Arcseconds (″) |
|---|---|
| 1 ′ | 60 ″ |
| 2 ′ | 120 ″ |
| 5 ′ | 300 ″ |
| 10 ′ | 600 ″ |
| 25 ′ | 1500 ″ |
| 50 ′ | 3000 ″ |
| 100 ′ | 6000 ″ |