Qibla Direction Calculator

Enter your latitude and longitude to find the precise direction to face during prayer. The Kaaba in Mecca is located at 21.4225degN, 39.8262degE.

Great Circle Bearing Formula: ? = atan2(sin(Deltalambda) * cos(phi_2), cos(phi_1) * sin(phi_2) - sin(phi_1) * cos(phi_2) * cos(Deltalambda)) Where: ? phi_1, lambda_1 = your latitude and longitude (radians) ? phi_2, lambda_2 = Kaaba latitude and longitude (21.4225degN, 39.8262degE in radians) ? Deltalambda = lambda_2 - lambda_1 (difference in longitude) ? ? = bearing angle from true north (0-360deg) Distance Formula (Great Circle): d = R * c where c = 2 * atan2(sqrta, sqrt(1-a)) and a = sin^2(Deltaphi/2) + cos(phi_1) * cos(phi_2) * sin^2(Deltalambda/2) R = 6371 km (Earth's radius)
Example 1 (New York City): Latitude: 40.7128degN, Longitude: 74.0060degW -> Bearing: ~58deg (ENE - East-Northeast) -> Distance: ~9,100 km to Mecca Example 2 (Jakarta, Indonesia): Latitude: 6.2088degS, Longitude: 106.8456degE -> Bearing: ~295deg (WNW - West-Northwest) -> Distance: ~7,600 km to Mecca Example 3 (London, UK): Latitude: 51.5074degN, Longitude: 0.1278degW -> Bearing: ~119deg (ESE - East-Southeast) -> Distance: ~4,600 km to Mecca Note: Use online maps or GPS to find your exact coordinates for maximum accuracy.

What is Qibla?

Qibla is the direction Muslims face during prayer, pointing toward the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Kaaba's coordinates are approximately 21.4225deg N, 39.8262deg E.

How is Qibla direction calculated?

Qibla direction uses the great circle formula based on spherical trigonometry. It calculates the shortest path on Earth's surface from your location to Mecca, accounting for Earth's curvature.

What do the compass bearings mean?

Bearings are measured clockwise from North: 0deg/360deg = North, 90deg = East, 180deg = South, 270deg = West. The calculator provides both true bearing and cardinal direction approximations.

Why does Qibla direction vary by location?

Earth is spherical, so the shortest path (great circle) to Mecca differs based on your latitude and longitude. For example, North Americans generally face northeast, while Indonesians face northwest.

Should I use magnetic or true north?

The calculator provides true north bearing. If using a magnetic compass, you must adjust for local magnetic declination, which varies by location and changes over time.

How accurate is this calculator?

The calculator uses precise spherical trigonometry and provides accuracy within 0.1deg. However, real-world accuracy depends on knowing your exact coordinates and proper compass calibration.

Can I use GPS coordinates?

Yes! GPS coordinates are ideal for accuracy. You can use online maps or your smartphone to find your precise latitude and longitude, then enter them here.

What if I'm at the antipode of Mecca?

The antipodal point (opposite side of Earth from Mecca) is in the South Pacific Ocean. At or near this point, any direction technically points toward Mecca, though this is purely theoretical for practical purposes.