True Course Calculator
Convert a magnetic course to a true course by adding the magnetic variation, east positive.
Description
Convert magnetic course to normalized true course using signed magnetic variation.
True Course Calculator convert magnetic course to normalized true course using signed magnetic variation.
Use this when a magnetic course and local variation must be expressed relative to true north for planning or comparison with true-reference data.
When to use True Course Calculator
Use this when a magnetic course and local variation must be expressed relative to true north for planning or comparison with true-reference data.
How it works
The calculator adds variation using the explicit convention east positive and west negative, then normalizes the result into 0 through less than 360 degrees.1
Interpreting the result
Keep the input units, direction conventions, encoding, and ordering rules visible when reusing the result. Preserve the full returned value for downstream calculations and round only for presentation.
Assumptions and limitations
Confirm the variation sign convention and reference epoch before use. Magnetic variation changes with location and time, and course is not heading when wind correction is present.
References
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Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge — Federal Aviation Administration