About the tool

A compass for the web

Online Compass provides three browser-based navigation tools: a device compass, a coordinate finder and converter, and an initial-bearing calculator. You can use them without an account or an app download.

What it can show

On supported devices, the compass shows a numeric bearing and cardinal direction. It names the reference reported by the browser and displays a device accuracy estimate when one is available. A manual angle control works without sensors, but it cannot find north.

What it cannot promise

Browser support, sensor calibration, nearby metal and device position can affect a reading. The optional True North mode estimates a WMM2025 correction for an identified magnetic heading and a supplied position. That correction changes the reference; it does not verify or improve the sensor's accuracy. Compare a reading with a known direction before relying on it.

Position and route calculations

Coordinates reads a position only when you choose its location action. It also converts decimal degrees and degrees, minutes and seconds without location permission. Browser-reported altitude may be unavailable and uses a different height reference from terrain elevation.

The bearing calculator estimates an initial geographic bearing and great-circle distance between two coordinate pairs. Its spherical model does not follow roads or account for obstacles.

How guides are published

The navigation guides explain the controls, reference labels and calculation limits. Articles published under the Online Compass byline are brand articles. Illustrations are labeled as illustrations, not photographs of field tests. Publication does not certify a device's sensor accuracy.

Your readings

Sensor readings and coordinate calculations stay in your browser. Saving a position is an explicit local action. The site does not provide an account or a server-side location history. Read the privacy information for browser storage and ordinary website requests.

Learn how to use the compass or read the methodology.

Contact

For questions or corrections, email info@onlinecompass.lol. You do not need to include your location or sensor readings.