Convert Compass Points to Turns
Convert Compass Points (pt) to Turns (rev) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
rev = pt × 0.03125
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 Turns
A turn (revolution, cycle) equals one complete rotation - 2π rad = 360° = 400 grad. Rotational speed is naturally measured in turns per minute (rpm): a car engine idles at ~750 rpm; a hard disk spins at 7,200 rpm. The factor 2π in physics formulas (ω = 2πf, E = hf = ħω) arises from converting turns to radians. The turn is the natural unit for gear ratios, transformer winding counts, and thread pitch (turns per inch). The tau convention (τ = 2π ≈ 6.2832) proposes 1τ = 1 full turn. 1 rpm = 1/60 Hz = 2π/60 rad/s ≈ 0.10472 rad/s.
Quick Reference Table
| Compass Points (pt) | Turns (rev) |
|---|---|
| 1 pt | 0.03125 rev |
| 2 pt | 0.0625 rev |
| 5 pt | 0.15625 rev |
| 10 pt | 0.3125 rev |
| 25 pt | 0.78125 rev |
| 50 pt | 1.5625 rev |
| 100 pt | 3.125 rev |