MGRS converter
Convert latitude/longitude to a Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) grid, or an MGRS grid back to latitude/longitude and UTM. Free, instant, and it works with any spacing.
What is MGRS?
The Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) is the grid system NATO forces use to give positions on land. It divides the world into grid zones, then into 100 km squares, then gives an easting and a northing in metres inside that square. A full grid like 18T VR 44545 30011 pinpoints a spot to within 1 metre.
Search and rescue teams, cadets, hunters and many emergency services use MGRS too, because it’s shorter to say and write than latitude/longitude, and every digit means a fixed distance on the ground.
How to use this converter
- Lat/long → MGRS: paste coordinates in almost any format: decimal (
45.4215, -75.6972), with letters (45.4215N 75.6972W), or degrees-minutes-seconds (45°25'17"N 75°41'50"W). Pick how many digits you want. - MGRS → Lat/long: type the grid with or without spaces:
18TVR4454530011,18T VR 44545 30011and18TV R4454530011all work. You get decimal degrees, degrees-minutes-seconds and UTM. - Tap Open on the map to see the spot in MGRS Cardinal, with the grid lines on.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between MGRS and UTM?
MGRS is built on UTM. UTM gives a zone plus a long easting and northing in metres (e.g. 18T 444545mE 5030011mN). MGRS replaces the first digits with two letters for the 100 km square, so the numbers are shorter: 18T VR 44545 30011. Both point to the same place.
How accurate is a 6, 8 or 10 digit grid?
A 6-digit grid is accurate to 100 m, an 8-digit grid to 10 m, and a 10-digit grid to 1 m. A 4-digit grid only names a 1 km square. Read more in How to read an MGRS grid.
Is this converter accurate?
Yes. It uses the standard WGS 84 formulas used by GPS and military mapping. Conversions are exact to well under a metre. The MGRS grid you get names the square that contains your point, which is how MGRS is meant to be read.
Does MGRS work everywhere?
Between 80°S and 84°N. The polar regions use a different system (UPS).
Need more than a converter?
MGRS Cardinal is a live MGRS map: move the map and read the grid under the crosshair, drop pins, turn on grid lines, and measure bearings in mils. Free to use, no account needed.
Open MGRS Cardinal How to read MGRS