Qibla Calculator

Find the accurate Qibla direction from your location. Enter your latitude and longitude to calculate the bearing, compass direction, and distance to the Kaaba.

Great Circle Bearing Formula: θ = atan2(sin(Δλ) × cos(φ₂), cos(φ₁) × sin(φ₂) - sin(φ₁) × cos(φ₂) × cos(Δλ)) Where: • φ₁, λ₁ = your latitude and longitude (radians) • φ₂, λ₂ = Kaaba coordinates (21.4225°N, 39.8262°E in radians) • Δλ = λ₂ - λ₁ (difference in longitude) • θ = bearing angle from true north (0-360°) Distance Formula (Haversine): a = sin²(Δφ/2) + cos(φ₁) × cos(φ₂) × sin²(Δλ/2) c = 2 × atan2(√a, √(1-a)) d = R × c Where: • R = 6371 km (Earth's radius) • Δφ = φ₂ - φ₁ (difference in latitude) • d = great circle distance to Kaaba Compass Direction: Bearing divided into 16 cardinal directions: 0° = N, 45° = NE, 90° = E, 135° = SE, 180° = S, 225° = SW, 270° = W, 315° = NW Note: This gives true north bearing. For magnetic compass, adjust for local magnetic declination.
Example 1 (New York City, USA): Latitude: 40.7128°N, Longitude: -74.0060°W Results: • Qibla Bearing: 58.48° from North • Compass Direction: ENE (East-Northeast) • Distance to Kaaba: 9,364 km (5,818 miles) Example 2 (London, UK): Latitude: 51.5074°N, Longitude: -0.1278°W Results: • Qibla Bearing: 118.99° from North • Compass Direction: ESE (East-Southeast) • Distance to Kaaba: 4,631 km (2,877 miles) Example 3 (Jakarta, Indonesia): Latitude: -6.2088°S, Longitude: 106.8456°E Results: • Qibla Bearing: 295.12° from North • Compass Direction: WNW (West-Northwest) • Distance to Kaaba: 7,608 km (4,728 miles) Example 4 (Sydney, Australia): Latitude: -33.8688°S, Longitude: 151.2093°E Results: • Qibla Bearing: 277.48° from North • Compass Direction: W (West) • Distance to Kaaba: 12,067 km (7,498 miles) Example 5 (Toronto, Canada): Latitude: 43.6532°N, Longitude: -79.3832°W Results: • Qibla Bearing: 52.76° from North • Compass Direction: NE (Northeast) • Distance to Kaaba: 9,624 km (5,980 miles) Example 6 (Cairo, Egypt): Latitude: 30.0444°N, Longitude: 31.2357°E Results: • Qibla Bearing: 135.47° from North • Compass Direction: SE (Southeast) • Distance to Kaaba: 1,236 km (768 miles) Note: Use accurate coordinates for your exact location. Kaaba coordinates: 21.4225°N, 39.8262°E

What is the Qibla?

The Qibla is the direction Muslims face during prayer (Salah), pointing towards the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is obligatory to face the Qibla when praying, except in certain circumstances like traveling or extreme conditions.

How is Qibla direction calculated?

Qibla direction is calculated using the great circle bearing formula from your coordinates to the Kaaba's coordinates (21.4225°N, 39.8262°E). This accounts for the Earth's spherical shape for accurate direction.

What is the bearing in degrees?

The bearing is the angle measured clockwise from true North to the Qibla direction. For example, 45° means northeast, 90° is east, 180° is south, and 270° is west.

How do I find my latitude and longitude?

Use Google Maps: right-click your location and click the coordinates that appear, or use your smartphone's GPS settings. Coordinates are in decimal degrees format (e.g., 40.7128, -74.0060).

Is magnetic north the same as true north?

No. Compass needles point to magnetic north, which differs from true north by the magnetic declination (varies by location). This calculator gives true north bearing; adjust for magnetic declination if using a compass.

Why does Qibla direction differ from what I expected?

The Earth is spherical, so the shortest path (great circle) often differs from a straight line on flat maps. For example, from North America, Qibla is northeast, not east, due to the curvature.

Can I use a phone compass to find Qibla?

Yes, many smartphones have Qibla apps that use GPS and compass. However, magnetic interference from electronics can affect accuracy. Verify with multiple methods or a dedicated Qibla compass.

What if I'm traveling and can't determine Qibla?

Make your best effort to determine the direction. If impossible, pray in any direction - your prayer is valid when you've tried your best. The Prophet (ﷺ) allowed this for travelers.

How accurate does Qibla need to be?

Scholars differ, but generally you must face the general direction of the Kaaba. Exact precision to the degree is not required - being within the range that broadly faces Mecca is sufficient for most madhabs.

What is the distance to Mecca from my location?

This calculator shows the great circle distance (shortest path on Earth's surface) from your coordinates to the Kaaba. This represents the actual distance accounting for Earth's curvature.