Arcminute to Degree Converter

An arcminute (′) is a unit of angular measurement equal to 1/60 of a degree. It provides finer precision than degrees for measuring small angles, particularly useful in astronomy and navigation.

Arcminutes developed from the Babylonian base-60 system, where each degree was subdivided into 60 minutes. The term 'minute' comes from the Latin 'pars minuta prima' meaning 'first small part'. This subdivision system has been used in astronomy and navigation for over 2,000 years.

Arcminutes are extensively used in astronomy for measuring celestial object positions and separations, in surveying for precise land measurements, and in navigation for GPS coordinates. They're also used in optics for measuring angular resolution and in artillery for targeting calculations.

A degree (°) is a unit of angular measurement equal to 1/360 of a full rotation. It divides a complete circle into 360 equal parts, making it one of the most widely used angle measurements.

The degree system originated with ancient Babylonian astronomers around 2000 BCE, who used a base-60 number system and divided the circle into 360 degrees. This choice was influenced by their calendar of approximately 360 days and the convenience of 360 being divisible by many numbers. The system was later adopted by Greek astronomers and has remained standard ever since.

Degrees are universally used in navigation, surveying, engineering, architecture, and everyday applications. They're standard for compass bearings, geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude), construction angles, and in most educational contexts. Weather reports, GPS systems, and most angle-measuring tools use degrees.