How this calculation works
Find the initial compass bearing of the shortest spherical route between two coordinates.
Use atan2 of the east and north components of the spherical directionA worked example
Travel from longitude 0° to 45° along the equator starts due east.
Good to know
Identical or antipodal points have no unique initial bearing.
Reference: OpenStax Algebra and Trigonometry (opens in a new tab) ↗
Read the result
Find the initial compass bearing of the shortest spherical route between two coordinates.
The primary result is labeled “Initial bearing (°)”. Keep the input definitions in view when comparing this result with another method.
Try a related calculation
Identical or antipodal points have no unique initial bearing.
For a related exercise, try the quadratic equation solver.
A few questions, answered
How can I check the default inputs by hand?
Travel from longitude 0° to 45° along the equator starts due east.
Which rule does this calculator apply?
Use atan2 of the east and north components of the spherical direction