Convert Compass Points to Nanoradians

Convert Compass Points (pt) to Nanoradians (nrad) instantly and accurately.

Conversion Formula

nrad = pt × 196349540.8

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 Nanoradians

A nanoradian (nrad) is one billionth of a radian (10⁻⁹ rad), the smallest angle unit in regular scientific use. LIGO and Virgo gravitational-wave observatories maintain mirror tilts to sub-nanoradian stability - a 1 nrad tilt on a 4 km mirror shifts the reflected beam by 4 nm. Earth-tidal deformation deflects the local plumb line by roughly 50 nrad over a full tidal cycle, measurable with superconducting gravimeters and ring-laser gyroscopes. Synchrotron X-ray beamline mirrors are steered to single-digit nanoradians by piezo actuators. 1 nrad = 10⁻⁹ rad ≈ 0.206 µas.

Quick Reference Table

→ Full Angle Converter