How to Enter Coordinates into Google Maps

Someone sent you GPS coordinates, and now you need to find that location or get directions? Google Maps accepts coordinates directly in the search bar. Here's how to do it on any device.

Accepted Coordinate Formats

Google Maps understands multiple formats. You can enter:

Decimal Degrees (Most Common)

40.7128, -74.0060

Degrees, Minutes, Seconds

40°42'46.0"N 74°00'21.6"W

Degrees and Decimal Minutes

40 42.767, -74 00.360

Important: Latitude (north-south) always comes first, followed by longitude (east-west).

Method 1: Desktop/Laptop

1. Open Google Maps
2. Click in the search bar at the top
3. Type or paste your coordinates
4. Press Enter

Example searches:

• 40.7128, -74.0060
• 40°42'46"N 74°0'22"W

Google Maps will drop a pin on that exact location. From there, you can:

• Click "Directions" to navigate there
• Click "Save" to bookmark the location
• Click "Share" to send the location to someone

Method 2: Android Phone/Tablet

1. Open the Google Maps app
2. Tap the search bar at the top
3. Type or paste coordinates
4. Tap the search result that appears

Using Voice Input

You can also say: "Navigate to [coordinates]" — though this works better with addresses than raw coordinates.

Method 3: iPhone/iPad

1. Open the Google Maps app
2. Tap the search bar
3. Enter coordinates (decimal format works best)
4. Tap the result to see the location

Pro tip: Copy coordinates from a message, then long-press in the search bar and tap "Paste."

Method 4: Direct URL

You can create a direct link to any coordinates:

https://www.google.com/maps?q=40.7128,-74.0060

This is useful for:

• Sending locations via email
• Embedding in documents
• Bookmarking specific spots

For directions to coordinates:

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=40.7128,-74.0060

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Google Maps can't find [coordinates]"

1. Check format: Make sure latitude comes before longitude
2. Remove extra characters: Remove any letters except cardinal directions (N, S, E, W)
3. Check decimal points: Use periods, not commas, for decimals
4. Verify range: Latitude must be -90 to 90, longitude -90 to 180

Coordinates Show Wrong Location

1. Sign might be wrong: Negative longitude = West, negative latitude = South
2. Reversed order: You may have entered longitude first by mistake
3. Typo: Double-check all numbers

Quick Reference

US Example: Most US locations have positive latitude (North) and negative longitude (West).

Converting Coordinates

If you have coordinates in an unfamiliar format, use our GPS Coordinates tool to:

1. See your current location in multiple formats
2. Verify coordinates before entering them

Other Maps That Accept Coordinates

Google Maps isn't your only option:

• Apple Maps: Paste coordinates in the search bar
• Bing Maps: Same format as Google
• OpenStreetMap: Use the search box
• Here WeGo: Enter in search field

Creating a Coordinate from Address

Need to go the other way? Find coordinates for an address:

1. Visit our Find My Location page, or
2. In Google Maps: Search the address, right-click, coordinates appear in menu

Related Articles:

• How to Find Your Latitude and Longitude
• Decimal Degrees vs DMS Explained
• GPS vs IP Location: What's the Difference?