Convert Compass Points to Radians

Convert Compass Points (pt) to Radians (rad) instantly and accurately.

Conversion Formula

rad = pt × 0.1963495408

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 Radians

The radian (rad) is the SI unit of plane angle, defined as the angle subtended at the centre of a circle by an arc equal in length to the radius. A full circle = 2π rad; a right angle = π/2 rad. The radian is dimensionless (arc length / radius), so it can be omitted in equations. All calculus and physics formulas are simplest in radians: d/dx(sin x) = cos x holds only in radians; Taylor series sin x = x − x³/6 + x⁵/120 hold only for x in radians; angular frequency ω = 2πf gives energy E = ħω. 1 rad = 180°/π ≈ 57.2958° ≈ 206,264.8″.

Quick Reference Table

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