Compass Heading Calculator
Convert a magnetic heading to a compass heading by applying the compass deviation.
Description
Convert a magnetic heading to a compass heading by applying the compass deviation.
Compass Heading Calculator provides a focused, reproducible calculation with explicit inputs and a deterministic result. Convert a magnetic heading to a compass heading by applying the compass deviation.
Use to apply a signed compass-deviation correction and normalize the result to a 0–360 degree heading.
When to use Compass Heading Calculator
Use to apply a signed compass-deviation correction and normalize the result to a 0–360 degree heading.1
How the calculation works
Convert a magnetic heading to a compass heading by applying the compass deviation.2
Compass heading = magnetic heading − east-positive deviation Inputs and interpretation
Keep every input on the same valuation, timing, unit, and assumption basis. Interpret the output at the precision supported by those inputs rather than treating extra decimal places as additional certainty.
Limitations and assumptions
Deviation depends on the aircraft, heading, electrical configuration, and current compass card; a generic entered value is not a substitute for that data.
References
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Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge — Federal Aviation Administration
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Wind triangle — Wikipedia contributors
Similar or alternative tools
- Magnetic Heading Calculator
Convert a true heading to a magnetic heading using east-positive variation (east is least).
- True Heading Calculator
Convert a magnetic heading to a true heading using east-positive variation (west is best).
- Magnetic Bearing from True Calculator
Convert a true bearing to a magnetic bearing by subtracting east-positive variation.