Guides
Compass guides
Clear, practical answers to the direction questions people actually ask — how to find north, read a bearing, and use your compass for everyday tasks.
How to Find North (With or Without a Compass)
Your phone is the fastest way, but the sun, the stars and even an analog watch can all point you north when you have no compass.
Read guideWhich Direction Am I Facing? How to Find Out
Point your phone the way you are looking and the compass tells you instantly which direction you face, in degrees and as N, E, S or W.
Read guideMagnetic North vs True North (and Declination)
A compass points to magnetic north, but maps use true north. The angle between them is declination, here’s how to convert correctly.
Read guideCompass Directions and Degrees Explained
North is 0°, east 90°, south 180° and west 270°. Use the diagram and tables to match a compass reading to a direction.
Read guideHow to Find the Qibla Direction with a Compass
The Qibla is the direction to the Kaaba in Mecca. Set your compass to true north and face the Qibla bearing for your location.
Read guideVastu Compass Guide: How to Check Directions for Your Home
Use a Vastu compass to check your home’s directions, from the main door to the pooja room. Learn where to stand, how to point your phone and how to read the eight Vastu zones.
Read guideHow to Read a Compass: Directions, Degrees and Bearings
Identify the north needle, read the number at the index line and turn that bearing into a direction. Includes a labeled diagram and practice examples.
Read guideHow to Use a Compass: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide
Find north, measure a landmark's bearing and learn the basics of map orientation. Start with a short exercise somewhere familiar.
Read guideHow Does a Compass Work? Magnetic North Explained
A magnetic needle turns to align with Earth's magnetic field. A phone measures that field electronically. Neither should be confused with GPS.
Read guideWhat Is a Compass? Definition, Parts, Types and Uses
A compass tells you direction, not your position. Learn the basic parts and the differences between magnetic, electronic and gyrocompasses.
Read guideWhen Was the Compass Invented? Origins and Timeline
Early Chinese magnetic devices predate the navigational compass. Evidence of sea navigation by compass reaches back to the 1100s, but no single invention year is established.
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