Math Playground
Measurement

Compass — N, S, E, W

Direction by the four cardinal points — and the in-between bearings.

Four cardinal directions and four intermediate ones.

Drag the ray
45°
45°
acute angle

Bearings — degrees clockwise from North

  • N = 0° (or 360°)
  • E = 90°, S = 180°, W = 270°
  • NE = 45°, SE = 135°, SW = 225°, NW = 315°
  • Always measured clockwise starting from North.

Cardinal, then intermediate

The four cardinal directions — N, E, S, W — split the circle into quarters (90° each). The four intermediate ones — NE, SE, SW, NW — sit exactly between them at the 45° marks, giving an 8-point compass.

Your turn

You walk on a bearing of 270°. Which way are you heading?

Eight points

  • N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW