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Digital Compass

Free online digital compass with smooth rotation. Find magnetic north, get precise heading, GPS coordinates in real-time. No app needed. Works on phone & tablet.

Idle
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
0°
N
Info Compass information
Magnetic heading:--
Guide Usage guide
  • Tap 'Start compass' and grant sensor permissions when prompted.
  • Hold your device flat and away from metal objects or magnets.
  • If accuracy is low, calibrate by moving your device in a figure-8 pattern.
  • The red needle always points to magnetic north.
  • Use fullscreen mode for better visibility outdoors.

Free Online Digital Compass - Accurate Navigation Tool

The Digital Compass is a free online tool that uses your device's built-in magnetometer sensor to determine magnetic north and display your current heading in real-time.

Designed with advanced smoothing algorithms, our compass provides smooth, lag-free movement unlike common tools. Using exponential moving average techniques and requestAnimationFrame, we ensure the smoothest and most accurate display.

Perfect for:
• Navigation and wayfinding while traveling
• Hiking, mountaineering, and trekking
• Camping and outdoor activities
• Construction direction and feng shui
• Geography and science education
• Navigation and route guidance
• Any situation requiring direction finding

No app installation needed, works directly in browser. Completely free and secure.

Key Features

  • Real-time magnetic heading display (0-360°) with high accuracy
  • Beautiful visual compass rose with 8 cardinal directions: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
  • Smooth compass needle movement without lag thanks to advanced smoothing algorithms
  • Calculates both magnetic and true heading
  • Accurate GPS coordinates display (latitude, longitude)
  • Sensor accuracy indicator (High/Medium/Low)
  • Fullscreen mode for convenient outdoor use
  • Detailed degree markings every 5° with major marks every 30°
  • Automatic calibration and declination adjustment
  • Multi-language support (Vietnamese, English, Spanish)
  • Compatible with most smartphones and tablets with magnetometer

Tips for Most Accurate Results

  • Keep your device flat and parallel to the ground (not tilted)
  • Move away from electronics (computers, speakers, TVs), large metal objects and magnets
  • If compass is jumpy or inaccurate, calibrate by rotating device in figure-8 motion in the air
  • Note: Magnetic north differs from true geographic north (can vary 0-20° by location)
  • Use in open areas away from tall buildings for best GPS performance
  • Remove magnetic interference sources like bracelets or magnetic watches before use
  • On iOS 13+, remember to grant 'Motion & Orientation' permission when requested
  • Accuracy depends on your device's magnetometer sensor quality

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

A digital compass uses the magnetometer (magnetic field sensor) built into smartphones/tablets to measure Earth's magnetic field. The sensor detects the direction of the magnetic field and determines magnetic north. Our smoothing algorithm filters noise and smooths movement, creating a stable and accurate display.

This could be due to: (1) Magnetic interference from nearby electronics or metal objects, (2) Sensor needs calibration - rotate device in figure-8 pattern, (3) Device not held flat. Our new version includes smoothing algorithms to minimize jitter and create much smoother movement.

Magnetic North is where compass needles point - the location of the magnetic North Pole. True North is the direction to the geographic North Pole. The difference between these is called magnetic declination, which can range from 0-20° depending on location. Our tool displays both values.

Hold your phone and move it in a figure-8 pattern in the air, repeat 2-3 times. This helps the magnetometer sensor self-calibrate and eliminate magnetic interference. Calibrate when: (1) First time using, (2) Accuracy shows 'Low', (3) Compass needle is unstable.

To access the magnetometer and device orientation sensor, the browser requires user permission. This is a browser security measure (especially iOS 13+). No data is sent or stored - all processing happens on your device.

Works on most modern smartphones and tablets with magnetometer sensors (iPhone 3GS+, most Android devices). Desktop/laptop computers typically don't have this sensor so cannot use it. Test by clicking 'Start compass' - if you get an error, your device doesn't support it.

GPS requires: (1) Location access permission granted, (2) Connection to satellites (better outdoors than indoors), (3) Internet connection to speed up positioning. If still not showing, check your device's location settings and ensure you're in an open area.

Digital compasses have equivalent or higher accuracy than mechanical compasses, with errors around 3-5°. Advantages include no wear and tear, electronic calibration capability, and precise numerical display. However, digital compasses are sensitive to magnetic interference so need to avoid electronics.
See also
SENSORS
WUTOOLS