Plus Codes - Open Location Code Encoder Decoder

• Encode (Lat/Lon → Plus Code)
• Decode (Plus Code → Lat/Lon)
• Shorten Plus Code

Latitude

Longitude

Code Length (Precision)

10 digits (14m × 14m area)11 digits (3m × 3m area)

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Plus Code

Plus Code

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Center Point

Plus Code

Reference Latitude

Reference Longitude

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Short Plus Code

What are Plus Codes (Open Location Code)?

Plus Codes, also known as Open Location Codes (OLC), are short codes that represent locations anywhere on Earth. Developed by Google, Plus Codes provide a simple way to share precise locations without needing street addresses—perfect for areas without formal addressing systems.

A Plus Code looks like this: 7P28W9CM+F9 (Hanoi, Vietnam). The code can be shortened to W9CM+F9 when combined with a city name or nearby reference point. Unlike GPS coordinates, Plus Codes are easier to remember and communicate.

Key features of Plus Codes:

• Short and easy to communicate: 10-11 characters instead of long coordinates
• Work anywhere: Even in areas without street addresses or postal codes
• Free and open source: No licensing fees or restrictions
• Offline capable: Can be computed without internet connection
• Integrated with Google Maps: Click Plus Code to open location in Maps

Plus Codes are particularly useful in developing countries, rural areas, informal settlements, and for emergency services.

How to Use Plus Codes

Plus Codes consist of an area code (first 4 digits) and a local code (last 6+ digits), separated by a plus sign. The more digits, the more precise the location:

Code length and precision:

• 6 digits (e.g., 7P28W9+): ~14km × 14km area (city level)
• 8 digits (e.g., 7P28W9CM+): ~275m × 275m area (neighborhood)
• 10 digits (e.g., 7P28W9CM+F9): ~14m × 14m area (building entrance)
• 11 digits (e.g., 7P28W9CM+F9W): ~3m × 3m area (precise spot)

Shortening Plus Codes:

When combined with a city name or reference location, you can drop the first 4 or 6 digits. For example, '7P28W9CM+F9' becomes 'W9CM+F9' or even 'CM+F9' when the reference location is nearby.

To use a short code, you need to recover the full code by providing a reference location (latitude/longitude) close to the target location.

Plus Codes vs GPS Coordinates

Comparing Plus Codes with traditional GPS coordinates:

• Readability: Plus Codes (W9CM+F9) are shorter than coordinates (21.027800, 105.834200)
• Communication: Easier to read over phone or write down without errors
• Memorability: Alphanumeric codes are easier to remember than decimal numbers
• Precision: Both provide similar accuracy depending on code length
• Universal: Both work anywhere on Earth without requiring maps or databases

Plus Codes are ideal for human communication, while GPS coordinates remain better for technical applications and calculations.

Real-World Applications

Plus Codes are used in various practical scenarios:

• Emergency Services: Quick location sharing for ambulances and rescue teams
• Delivery Services: Precise drop-off points in areas without street addresses
• Travel and Tourism: Share meeting points, hiking trailheads, or photo spots
• Real Estate: Identify land parcels and construction sites without formal addresses
• Humanitarian Aid: Navigate refugee camps and informal settlements
• Business Locations: Help customers find shops, restaurants, or service providers

Plus Codes are integrated into Google Maps, Apple Maps, and many other mapping applications, making them accessible to billions of users worldwide.