Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesLatitude and longitude let you identify an exact point on a map, even when the location has no street address. Google Maps can both find coordinates when you enter them and show coordinates for a point you select.
The key rule is simple: enter coordinates as latitude, longitude. For example, 40.7128, -74.0060 identifies a point in New York City.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What latitude and longitude mean
Latitude measures how far north or south a point is from the equator. It ranges from -90 to 90. Longitude measures how far east or west a point is from the prime meridian and ranges from -180 to 180.
- Positive latitude: north of the equator
- Negative latitude: south of the equator
- Positive longitude: east of Greenwich
- Negative longitude: west of Greenwich
Google Maps expects the latitude first and longitude second. Reversing them can take you to a completely different location.
#1 Best Overall
- Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS
- 2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readability
- Preloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
- Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems allows for tracking in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- 8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a micro SD card slot
How to enter coordinates in Google Maps
You can enter coordinates in the Google Maps search box on a computer, Android phone, iPhone, or iPad.
- Open Google Maps.
- Click or tap the main search box.
- Enter the latitude and longitude in one of the supported formats.
- Press Enter on a computer, or tap the search button on a phone.
- Google Maps will place a pin at the matching point.
Use a decimal point for decimal values and a comma to separate the two coordinates:
40.7128, -74.0060Do not use a decimal comma such as 40,7128, -74,0060. Google Maps may interpret that as four separate values instead of one coordinate pair.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Coordinate formats Google Maps accepts
| Format | Example |
|---|---|
| Decimal degrees (DD) | 41.40338, 2.17403 |
| Degrees, minutes, seconds (DMS) | 41°24'12.2"N 2°10'26.5"E |
| Degrees and decimal minutes (DMM) | 41 24.2028, 2 10.4418 |
Decimal degrees are usually the easiest format for copying from another app, GPS device, spreadsheet, or website.
How to enter negative coordinates
Use a minus sign for locations south of the equator or west of the prime meridian. For example:
37.7749, -122.4194This represents San Francisco. The negative longitude indicates that the location is west of Greenwich.
You can also use directional letters in formats such as:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #2
- The 2.2” high-resolution display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight
- Get long battery life of up to 168 hours in standard mode and up to 1,800 hours in expedition mode with 2 field-replaceable AA batteries (not included)
- Pair with the Garmin Explore app on your compatible smartphone for wireless software updates, trip planning, Active Weather, smart notifications and additional mapping
- Get automatic cache updates from Geocaching Live, including descriptions, logs and hints when paired to the Garmin Explore app on your compatible smartphone
- Multi-GNSS support gives access to multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS) to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone
37°46'29.6"N 122°25'09.8"WDo not combine both methods for the same value. For example, avoid entering a longitude as -122.4194W. Use either the negative sign or W.
How to find coordinates on Google Maps on a computer
- Open Google Maps in a desktop browser.
- Search for a place, or move the map to the point you want.
- Right-click the point on the map.
- Google Maps displays the latitude and longitude at the top of the pop-up.
- Click the coordinate pair to copy it.
For an exact arbitrary point, right-click directly on the map rather than selecting a nearby business or road label. The copied result normally uses decimal degrees, such as 51.5074, -0.1278.
How to find coordinates in the Google Maps Android app
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Move the map to the required area.
- Touch and hold an unlabeled part of the map.
- A red pin appears.
- The coordinates appear in the search box.
Long-pressing a business, road, or other labeled feature may open that feature instead of dropping a pin on the precise underlying point.
How to find coordinates on an iPhone or iPad
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Navigate to the location.
- Touch and hold an unlabeled area of the map to drop a red pin.
- Open the resulting placesheet to view the coordinates.
As on Android, use an unlabeled area when you need the coordinates of a specific point rather than the details of an existing map feature.
How to copy, send, and share coordinates
The simplest way to share a coordinate is to copy the pair and paste it into a text message, email, document, or another Google Maps search box:
40.7128, -74.0060The recipient can paste it into Google Maps to open the point. You can also use Google Maps’ general sharing option on a computer:
- Open the relevant map area.
- Click Menu.
- Select Share or embed map.
- Choose Send a link, then click Copy link.
This general map-sharing feature is not intended for sharing a map that contains saved locations, a distance measurement, or an image of the map itself. For a simple coordinate-only location, sending the coordinate pair is often clearer.
Rank #3
- Large 2.6” sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing
- Expanded global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and multi-band technology allow you to get optimal accuracy in challenging locations, including steep country, urban canyons and forests with dense trees
- Includes routable TopoActive mapping and federal public land map (U.S. only)
- Compatible with the Garmin Explore website and app (compatible smartphone required) to help you manage tracks, routes and waypoints and review statistics from the field
How to create a Google Maps link from coordinates
For a website, document, or application, use this Maps URL structure:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=LATITUDE%2CLONGITUDEFor example:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=47.5951518%2C-122.3316393In this format:
api=1is required.querycontains the latitude and longitude.%2Crepresents the comma between the coordinates.- The order remains latitude, longitude.
Maps URLs do not require a Google Maps API key and are limited to 2,048 characters per request.
Make a directions link with coordinates
You can use coordinates as the starting point and destination:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=40.7128%2C-74.0060&destination=42.3601%2C-71.0589Optional parameters can specify a travel mode, such as travelmode=driving, walking, bicycling, transit, or two-wheeler where available.
Coordinates versus a named place
Coordinates identify a point, not necessarily a business or official place listing. A coordinate search may show a pin without the usual business name, opening hours, reviews, or other place details. Google Maps may also associate the point with a nearby address, road, or map feature.
If a link must open a particular business or establishment, coordinates alone may not be reliable enough. A Google Maps URL can include the business’s Place ID:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=47.5951518%2C-122.3316393&query_place_id=PLACE_IDWhen both are supplied, Google Maps uses the Place ID as the stronger identifier and uses the coordinate query as a fallback.
Rank #4
- Compact and lightweight GPS handheld navigator boasts an anti-slip design offering a bright 3.2" screen that is sunlight readable, even in bright sunlight, plus, physical buttons provide more versatility in any conditions
- Get multi-GNSS support(GPS+GALILEO+BEIDOU+QZSS) for superior positional accuracy,so you know exactly where you are,location precision within 6 ft
- The handheld GPS navigator uses GPS technology to capture your trip or waypoint so you can guide back to your starting position
- Equip with 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter,follow your bearing on the digital compass, which provides an accurate heading even when stationary
- Hike in any weather with the water-resistant design (rated to IP66) ,Rechargeable battery can provide up to 36 hours of battery life in full charge, recharge easily with a standard USB-C cable
Use Plus Codes for places without a normal address
A Plus Code can identify a precise location such as a building entrance, an area in a rural region, or a place without a conventional street address.
On desktop:
- Open Google Maps and select the location.
- Click the coordinates in the information box at the bottom.
- Click the Plus Code in the left panel.
- Copy and share the code.
When searching for a Plus Code outside your current town or city, include the locality. For example:
JJXX+HR8, SeattleIf you are already in that town or city, Google Maps may allow you to search using only the six- or seven-digit Plus Code.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common Google Maps coordinate problems
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| The pin appears in the wrong country | Check that the order is latitude, longitude and that the longitude has the correct minus sign. |
| Google Maps does not understand the entry | Use a decimal point, one comma between the values, and no extra labels or punctuation. |
| The result is a named road or business | Google may be associating the point with a nearby map feature. Zoom in and verify the pin’s position. |
| The mobile pin is not exact | Long-press an unlabeled area rather than an existing business or map label. |
| A link opens but identifies the wrong business | Use the establishment’s Place ID together with its coordinates. |
Latitude and longitude are reversed
These two values can both be within valid ranges, so reversing them may not produce an error. It may simply produce a plausible location somewhere else. Always use:
latitude, longitudeThe western longitude is missing its minus sign
New York should be entered as:
40.7128, -74.0060Entering 40.7128, 74.0060 moves the longitude to the eastern hemisphere and produces a different location.
The values are outside the valid range
Latitude cannot be lower than -90 or higher than 90. Longitude cannot be lower than -180 or higher than 180. Check the source if a coordinate exceeds either limit.
The URL contains unencoded characters
When building a Maps URL, encode punctuation correctly. Use %2C for a coordinate comma, %20 or + for spaces, and %7C for pipe separators used between waypoints. Incorrect encoding can cause Google Maps to ignore or misread a parameter.
Best Value
- Rugged handheld navigator with preloaded worldwide basemap and 2.2 inch monochrome display
- WAAS enabled GPS receiver with HotFix and GLONASS support for fast positioning and a reliable signal
- Waterproof to IPX7 standards for protection against splashes, rain, etc.
- Support for paperless geocaching and Garmin spine mounting accessories. Power with two AA batteries for up to 20 hours of use (best with Polaroid AA batteries)
- See high and low elevation points or store waypoints along a track (start, finish and high/low altitude) to estimate time and distance between points
FAQ
Which coordinate comes first in Google Maps?
Latitude comes first and longitude comes second. Enter them as latitude, longitude, for example 40.7128, -74.0060.
Can I paste GPS coordinates directly into Google Maps?
Yes. Paste the coordinate pair into the main Google Maps search box and submit it. Decimal degrees, DMS, and DMM formats are supported.
Why does Google Maps show the wrong location?
The most common causes are reversed coordinates, a missing minus sign on a western or southern value, or the use of comma decimals instead of decimal points.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How do I copy coordinates from Google Maps on a computer?
Right-click the required point. The coordinates appear at the top of the pop-up; click them to copy the pair.
How do I drop a pin at exact coordinates on a phone?
In the Google Maps app, touch and hold an unlabeled area of the map. A red pin appears, and Google displays the coordinates.
Do Google Maps coordinates identify a specific business?
Not always. Coordinates identify a point and may show only a pin or a nearby map feature. For a particular business, use its Place ID in the Maps link as well.
The Bottom Line
To find any location with coordinates, open Google Maps and enter latitude, longitude using a decimal point and the correct signs. To retrieve coordinates, right-click a point on desktop or long-press an unlabeled area in the mobile app. If you are sharing a specific business rather than a bare point, add its Place ID or share the business listing itself.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
