How do I convert arcminutes to degrees?

Formula : Degrees = Arcminutes ÷ 60 Examples : 60 arcminutes = 1° 30 arcminutes = 0.5° (Moon's diameter) 120 arcminutes = 2° Arcminutes to Degrees converter →

How big is 1 arcminute on Earth?

At the equator : 1 arcminute of latitude or longitude ≈ 1 nautical mile ≈ 1.852 kilometers Latitude (north-south): Always ≈ 1.852 km per arcminute Longitude (east-west): Varies by latitude: Equator: 1.852 km 45° latitude: 1.31 km 60° latitude: 0.93 km Poles: 0 km

How many arcseconds in an arcminute?

1 arcminute = 60 arcseconds Examples : 2 arcminutes = 120 arcseconds 0.5 arcminutes = 30 arcseconds 10 arcminutes = 600 arcseconds Arcminutes to Arcseconds converter →

What does 20/20 vision mean in arcminutes?

20/20 vision = ability to distinguish details subtending 1 arcminute at 20 feet Visual acuity scale : 20/10 vision: 0.5 arcminutes (better than normal) 20/20 vision: 1 arcminute (normal) 20/40 vision: 2 arcminutes (needs glasses) 20/200 vision: 10 arcminutes (legally blind) Better eyesight = smaller arcminute resolution.

Arcminute (′) - Unit Information & Conversion

Symbol:′

Plural:arcminutes

Category:Angle

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What is a Arcminute?

Arcminute (arcmin or minute of arc) is 1/60 of a degree, measuring small angles in astronomy, surveying, and navigation. Symbol: ′ or arcmin. 1° = 60 arcminutes. Moon and Sun are each about 30 arcminutes in diameter.

History of the Arcminute

Derived from Babylonian sexagesimal (base-60) system used for astronomical measurements. Essential for precise celestial coordinates and navigation since ancient times.

Quick Answer

What is an Arcminute? An arcminute is 1/60 of a degree, used for measuring small angles. The Moon appears about 30 arcminutes wide in the sky. 1 arcminute = 60 arcseconds = 1/60 degree ≈ 0.0167°. Use our angle converter for instant conversions.

Definition

1 arcminute = 1/60 degree = 60 arcseconds ≈ 0.0167° ≈ 0.000291 radians

Symbol: ′ (prime) or arcmin

Common Uses

Astronomy: Measuring apparent sizes of celestial objects and their positions. Surveying: Land measurement and mapping precision. Navigation: GPS coordinates (latitude/longitude precision). Ophthalmology: Visual acuity testing (20/20 vision = 1 arcminute resolution).

Real-World Examples

Celestial Objects

Full Moon: ~30 arcminutes diameter
Sun: ~32 arcminutes diameter
Jupiter: ~45 arcseconds (0.75 arcminutes) at closest approach
Venus: ~60 arcseconds (1 arcminute) at brightest
Mars: ~25 arcseconds (0.42 arcminutes) at opposition

Navigation & Geography

GPS precision: Coordinates given to arcminutes (e.g., 40° 42′ N)
1 arcminute latitude: ≈ 1 nautical mile (1.852 km)
1 arcminute longitude: Varies by latitude (1.852 km at equator)

Vision & Optics

20/20 vision: Ability to resolve 1 arcminute details
Perfect eyesight: Can distinguish letters 1 arcminute tall at 20 feet
Visual acuity: Measured in arcminutes of resolution

Arcminute Conversion Formulas

To Degree:

1 ′ = 0.016667 °

Example: 5 arcminutes = 0.083333 degrees

To Radian:

1 ′ = 0.000291 rad

Example: 5 arcminutes = 0.001454 radians

To Gradian:

1 ′ = 0.018519 grad

Example: 5 arcminutes = 0.092593 gradians

To Arcsecond:

1 ′ = 60 ″

Example: 5 arcminutes = 300 arcseconds

To Turn:

1 ′ = 0.000046 turn

Example: 5 arcminutes = 0.000231 turns

To Revolution:

1 ′ = 0.000046 rev

Example: 5 arcminutes = 0.000231 revolutions

To Quadrant:

1 ′ = 0.000185 quad

Example: 5 arcminutes = 0.000926 quadrants

To Gon:

1 ′ = 0.018519 gon

Example: 5 arcminutes = 0.092593 gons

To Mil:

1 ′ = 0.296296 mil

Example: 5 arcminutes = 1.481481 mils

Frequently Asked Questions

Formula: Degrees = Arcminutes ÷ 60 Examples:

60 arcminutes = 1°
30 arcminutes = 0.5° (Moon's diameter)
120 arcminutes = 2° Arcminutes to Degrees converter →

Convert Arcminute

Need to convert Arcminute to other angle units? Use our conversion tool.

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