Convert Compass Points to Centesimal Seconds

Convert Compass Points (pt) to Centesimal Seconds (c″) instantly and accurately.

Conversion Formula

c″ = pt × 125000

About Compass Points

A compass point equals 1/32 of a full circle - π/16 rad ≈ 0.19635 rad (= 11.25°). Traditional maritime compasses divide the horizon into 32 named points from North clockwise back to North, each further divided into quarter-points (2.8125°). This 32-point rose was the standard for European seafaring from the 14th to 19th centuries. Modern navigation uses three-digit decimal bearings (000°-359°), but compass roses persist in meteorology and nautical heritage. 1 compass point = 11.25° = 11°15′ = 200 NATO mils.

About Centesimal Seconds

A centesimal second (c″) is 1/10,000 of a gradian - exactly π/2,000,000 rad ≈ 1.5708 × 10⁻⁶ rad. In the gradian hierarchy, 1 right angle = 100 grad = 10,000 c′ = 1,000,000 c″. High-precision total stations calibrated in gons report to 0.1-1 c″, equivalent to ~0.0324 arcseconds. Used in French, Dutch, Swiss, and Scandinavian cadastral surveys. DIN 1313 designates 10 c″ = 1 milligon (mgon). 1 c″ ≈ 0.324″ sexagesimal = π/2,000,000 rad.

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