Getting coordinates from Google Maps takes less than a minute

You can pull latitude and longitude numbers from Google Maps three ways: right-click a spot on the map and read the coordinates that appear, long-press a location on your phone and tap the coordinates at the bottom, or search for a place and find the numbers in the URL. The method you use depends on whether you're on a computer or phone, and whether you already know the address or just see it on the map.

Coordinates appear as two numbers separated by a comma — latitude first (how far north or south), then longitude (how far east or west). Google Maps shows them in decimal degrees, which is the format most online tools and GPS devices accept without conversion.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click any spot on a computer map to see coordinates appear in a small box at the top of the screen.
  • On a phone, long-press a location until a card slides up from the bottom showing the coordinates in a tappable bar.
  • Coordinates in Google Maps are always in decimal degrees format, which works directly with most GPS devices and mapping tools.
  • You can also find coordinates in the URL of a place's Google Maps page, though the numbers are harder to read than using the right-click or long-press method.

Right-click method on a computer

Open Google Maps in your web browser and find the location you need. Move your mouse to the exact spot on the map and right-click it. A small box will pop up at the top of the screen showing two numbers separated by a comma — that's your coordinate pair. Click the coordinates to copy them to your clipboard, then paste them wherever you need them.

If the box doesn't appear, make sure you're right-clicking directly on the map itself, not on a building label or street name. The coordinates update instantly as you move your mouse, so you can hover over different spots to find the exact location you want before clicking.

Long-press method on a phone or tablet

Open the Google Maps app and navigate to the location you need. Press and hold your finger on the exact spot for about two seconds — don't tap and release, keep your finger down. A card will slide up from the bottom of the screen showing the place name and a bar with the coordinates displayed as a tappable link.

Tap the coordinate bar to copy it. On iPhone, the numbers copy to your clipboard automatically. On Android, you may see a "Copy" option appear — tap it to copy the coordinates. You can then paste them into a text message, email, document, or any other app that needs location data.

Finding coordinates in a place's Google Maps URL

When you search for a specific address or business in Google Maps, the web address in your browser's address bar contains the coordinates. Look for a string of numbers after the "@" symbol — the first number is latitude, the second is longitude, and they're separated by a comma. For example, a URL might show @40.7128,-74.0060, which are the coordinates for New York City.

This method is less convenient than right-clicking or long-pressing because the numbers are mixed in with other characters in the URL. However, it's useful if you're already looking at a place's page and want to grab the coordinates without taking extra steps. Copy the entire coordinate pair (both numbers and the comma between them) to avoid errors.

What to do with coordinates once you have them

Coordinates work in most GPS devices, mapping software, and location-sharing tools. You can paste them into Google Maps itself to jump directly to that spot, enter them into a car's navigation system, share them with someone else, or use them in a spreadsheet to track multiple locations. Many outdoor apps, surveying tools, and real estate software also accept coordinates in decimal degree format.

If you're sharing coordinates with someone else, include both numbers and the comma exactly as they appear. Small changes in even the last digit can shift the location by several feet, so accuracy matters if precision is important for what you're doing.

Coordinates that appear in the wrong format

Google Maps always shows coordinates in decimal degrees (like 40.7128, -74.0060), but some older GPS devices or specialized tools use degrees, minutes, and seconds (like 40° 42' 46.1" N). If a tool you're using won't accept Google Maps coordinates, you may need to convert them. Free online converters can translate between formats in seconds — search "decimal degrees to DMS converter" and paste your coordinates into the tool.

Most modern devices and software accept decimal degrees directly, so conversion is rarely necessary. Check your device's manual or help section if you're unsure which format it needs before you spend time converting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see a negative sign in front of one of the numbers?

The negative sign indicates direction. Negative latitude means south of the equator, and negative longitude means west of the prime meridian. Most locations in North America have negative longitude. The sign is part of the coordinate and should be included when you use it.

Can I search for a location using coordinates instead of an address?

Yes. Open Google Maps, click the search box, and paste the coordinates (both numbers and the comma). Press Enter and Google Maps will jump to that exact spot. This works whether you have the coordinates from Google Maps itself or from another source.

Do coordinates change if I zoom in or out on the map?

No. The coordinates for a specific spot stay the same no matter what zoom level you're viewing. Zooming only changes what area of the map you see, not the location data itself.

What's the difference between the two numbers in a coordinate pair?

The first number is latitude (position north or south), and the second is longitude (position east or west). Together they pinpoint a single location on Earth. Latitude ranges from -90 to 90, and longitude ranges from -180 to 180.

Can I get coordinates for an address I haven't visited yet?

Yes. Type the address into Google Maps search, and once the map shows that location, use the right-click or long-press method to pull the coordinates. You don't need to have been there in person.