How do I convert gons to degrees?

Formula : Degrees = Gons × 0.9 (or Gons × 9/10) Examples : 100 gons = 90° 200 gons = 180° 400 gons = 360° 50 gons = 45° 1 gon = 0.9° Gons to Degrees converter →

How do I convert degrees to gons?

Formula : Gons = Degrees ÷ 0.9 (or Degrees × 10/9) Examples : 90° = 100 gons 45° = 50 gons 180° = 200 gons 360° = 400 gons 1° = 1.111 gons Degrees to Gons converter →

Why use gons instead of degrees?

Decimal convenience : Base-10 system makes calculations easier without fractions. Advantages : Right angle = 100 (clean decimal) Easier to divide: 400 ÷ 4 = 100, 400 ÷ 8 = 50 Better for percentage calculations Aligns with metric system philosophy Simpler mental arithmetic Metric integration : Designed to work with decimal measurement system used in surveying.

Are gons and gradians the same?

Yes, identical units with different names: Gon : Modern term, ISO standard (ISO 31-1) Gradian : Traditional term, still widely used Grad : Abbreviated form, common in calculators Grade : French term (same unit) All refer to 1/400 of a circle. The term "gon" is preferred in modern standards to avoid confusion with other uses of "grade" (like road gradients or academic grades). Symbol variations : gon, grad, or superscript "g" (e.g., 50ᵍ)

Gon (gon) - Unit Information & Conversion

Symbol:gon

Plural:gons

Category:Angle

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What is a Gon?

Gon (also gradian or grad) is 1/400 of a full circle, designed for decimal calculations. 100 gons = right angle, 400 gons = full circle. Used in surveying, civil engineering, and some European countries.

History of the Gon

Introduced during French Revolution (1795) as part of metric system decimalization. Popular in continental Europe, especially France, Germany, and Scandinavia for surveying and construction.

Quick Answer

What is a Gon? A gon (or gradian) is 1/400th of a full circle, designed for easy decimal calculations. 100 gons = 90 degrees (right angle), 200 gons = 180 degrees, 400 gons = 360 degrees (full circle). Popular in European surveying and civil engineering. Use our angle converter for instant conversions.

Definition

1 gon = 1/400 of a full circle = 0.9 degrees = 0.01571 radians

Key conversions:

100 gons = 90 degrees (right angle)
200 gons = 180 degrees (straight angle)
400 gons = 360 degrees (full circle)
1 gon = 0.9° = π/200 radians

Alternative names: Gradian, grad, grade (same unit, different names)

Common Uses

Surveying: Land surveys and topographic mapping in Europe, especially France, Germany, Switzerland. Civil Engineering: Construction projects, road gradients, slope calculations. Military: Artillery targeting and ballistics in some European armies. Cartography: Map making and coordinate systems in countries using metric system.

Real-World Examples

Surveying Applications

Right angle: 100 gons (easier than 90 degrees for decimal calculations)
Straight line: 200 gons (instead of 180 degrees)
Full horizontal circle: 400 gons (instead of 360 degrees)
Quadrant subdivisions: 25 gons, 50 gons, 75 gons (clean decimal values)

Construction and Slopes

Building corners: Typically 100 gons (90°) for square corners
Road gradient: Often expressed in gons in Europe (5 gons = 4.5° slope)
Roof pitch: Sometimes specified in gons for calculations
Tunnel alignment: Measured in gons for precision boring

Geographic Usage

France: Primary angle unit in surveying and civil engineering
Germany: Widely used in construction and land surveying
Switzerland: Standard for cadastral surveys
Scandinavia: Common in engineering applications
Soviet successor states: Sometimes used in geodesy

Calculator Mode

Scientific calculators: Often have "GRAD" mode alongside DEG and RAD
Surveying instruments: Many theodolites can display in gons/gradians
CAD software: European versions often support gon input

Gon Conversion Formulas

To Degree:

1 gon = 0.9 °

Example: 5 gons = 4.5 degrees

To Radian:

1 gon = 0.015708 rad

Example: 5 gons = 0.07854 radians

To Gradian:

1 gon = 1 grad

Example: 5 gons = 5 gradians

To Arcminute:

1 gon = 54 ′

Example: 5 gons = 270 arcminutes

To Arcsecond:

1 gon = 3240 ″

Example: 5 gons = 16200 arcseconds

To Turn:

1 gon = 0.0025 turn

Example: 5 gons = 0.0125 turns

To Revolution:

1 gon = 0.0025 rev

Example: 5 gons = 0.0125 revolutions

To Quadrant:

1 gon = 0.01 quad

Example: 5 gons = 0.05 quadrants

To Mil:

1 gon = 16 mil

Example: 5 gons = 80 mils

Frequently Asked Questions

Formula: Degrees = Gons × 0.9 (or Gons × 9/10) Examples:

100 gons = 90°
200 gons = 180°
400 gons = 360°
50 gons = 45°
1 gon = 0.9° Gons to Degrees converter →

Convert Gon

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

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