Compass Directions: The 16 Points and Their Degrees
Every compass direction with its bearing in degrees: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW and the in-between points, plus how to read them on a live compass.
6 min read · updated
Compass directions are named points measured clockwise from north in degrees. North is 0°, east is 90°, south is 180° and west is 270°. Every other direction sits between those four. Open the online compass on your phone to see your current direction in both degrees and letters.
The four cardinal directions
North, east, south and west are the cardinal directions, spaced 90° apart. A common way to remember the clockwise order is “Never Eat Soggy Waffles”. If you face north, east is on your right, west on your left, and south behind you.
The intercardinal directions
Halfway between each cardinal point are the four intercardinal (ordinal) directions: northeast at 45°, southeast at 135°, southwest at 225° and northwest at 315°. The name always starts with north or south.
All 16 compass points with degrees
Each of the 16 points covers 22.5° of the circle. The bearing below is the centre of each point.
| Abbreviation | Direction | Bearing | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| N | North | 0° | 348.75° – 11.25° |
| NNE | North-northeast | 22.5° | 11.25° – 33.75° |
| NE | Northeast | 45° | 33.75° – 56.25° |
| ENE | East-northeast | 67.5° | 56.25° – 78.75° |
| E | East | 90° | 78.75° – 101.25° |
| ESE | East-southeast | 112.5° | 101.25° – 123.75° |
| SE | Southeast | 135° | 123.75° – 146.25° |
| SSE | South-southeast | 157.5° | 146.25° – 168.75° |
| S | South | 180° | 168.75° – 191.25° |
| SSW | South-southwest | 202.5° | 191.25° – 213.75° |
| SW | Southwest | 225° | 213.75° – 236.25° |
| WSW | West-southwest | 247.5° | 236.25° – 258.75° |
| W | West | 270° | 258.75° – 281.25° |
| WNW | West-northwest | 292.5° | 281.25° – 303.75° |
| NW | Northwest | 315° | 303.75° – 326.25° |
| NNW | North-northwest | 337.5° | 326.25° – 348.75° |
How to read a compass direction in degrees
A bearing is the angle between north and the direction you face, turned clockwise. A reading of 200° falls between 191.25° and 213.75°, so it is south-southwest. When you need precision, use the number; when you give directions to someone, the letters are usually enough.
Your phone can show magnetic north or true north. The difference is magnetic declination, which you can look up with the declination calculator. The magnetic vs. true north guide explains when the difference matters.
Finding a direction without a compass
No magnetometer on your device? The sun compass works out the sun's bearing from your location and the time. You can also follow our guide on finding north without a compass.
Frequently asked questions
What are the four main compass directions?
North (0°), East (90°), South (180°) and West (270°). These are the cardinal directions. Bearings are measured clockwise from north.
How many degrees is northeast?
Northeast (NE) is 45°. Southeast is 135°, southwest is 225° and northwest is 315°.
What does NNE mean on a compass?
NNE means north-northeast, halfway between north and northeast, at a bearing of 22.5°.
Is 360° the same as 0° on a compass?
Yes. Both mean north. Compasses usually show 0° or 360°, and the reading wraps around as you turn past north.