June 16, 2026

What Do GPS Coordinates Mean? A Simple Explanation

Smartphone showing GPS coordinates on map next to matching coordinates necklace - what GPS coordinates mean

You've probably seen GPS coordinates before — those two sets of numbers that look like someone's locker combination got out of hand. Something like 27.7676° N, 82.6403° W. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly, how can you use them to mark a place that matters to you?

This guide breaks it down in plain English — no geography degree required.

The 30-Second Version

GPS coordinates are two numbers that pinpoint an exact location on Earth:

  • Latitude — how far north or south you are from the equator (the first number)
  • Longitude — how far east or west you are from the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England (the second number)

Together, they create a unique address for any spot on the planet. No two places share the same coordinates. That's what makes them so powerful for coordinates jewelry — they capture one specific place in the entire world.

Understanding Latitude

Latitude lines run horizontally around the Earth, like belts. The equator is 0° latitude.

  • Numbers go from 0° to 90° — north or south
  • N (North) = above the equator (North America, Europe, most of Asia)
  • S (South) = below the equator (Australia, most of South America, Antarctica)
  • Example: New York City is about 40.7° N — meaning it's 40.7 degrees north of the equator

Understanding Longitude

Longitude lines run vertically, from the North Pole to the South Pole. The Prime Meridian (running through London) is 0° longitude.

  • Numbers go from 0° to 180° — east or west
  • W (West) = west of London (all of the Americas)
  • E (East) = east of London (Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia)
  • Example: New York City is about 74.0° W — meaning it's 74 degrees west of London

How to Find GPS Coordinates for Any Location

Using Google Maps (Easiest Method)

  1. Open Google Maps on your phone or computer
  2. Find the location you want (search for it or scroll to it)
  3. On mobile: long-press on the exact spot — coordinates appear at the top
  4. On desktop: right-click on the spot — coordinates appear in the menu
  5. Copy the numbers — that's your GPS coordinates!

Using Apple Maps

  1. Open Apple Maps
  2. Drop a pin on your desired location (long-press)
  3. Tap the pin for details — coordinates are listed

Using Your Phone's Built-in Compass App

If you're standing at the exact location right now, open your phone's Compass app. Many compass apps display your current GPS coordinates at the bottom of the screen.

Common Coordinate Formats

Coordinates can be written in different formats. All of these point to the same place (the Statue of Liberty):

  • Decimal degrees: 40.6892, -74.0445
  • Degrees, minutes: 40°41.352'N, 74°2.670'W
  • Degrees, minutes, seconds: 40°41'21.1"N, 74°2'40.2"W

For coordinates jewelry, decimal degrees (the first format) is the most common and cleanest for engraving. But any format works — just let us know your preference when ordering.

Popular Places to Turn into Coordinates Jewelry

Now that you know how to find coordinates, here are the most meaningful locations our customers choose:

  1. Where you met your partner — the restaurant, campus, or party
  2. Where you got engaged or married — the exact spot of the proposal or the venue
  3. Where your child was born — the hospital or birthplace
  4. Your hometown — where your story started
  5. A travel destination that changed you — the beach, the mountain, the city
  6. A memorial location — a loved one's favorite place or final resting place
  7. Your college campus — where you grew up in a different way
  8. Where you'll live together — your future home (a promise for what's next)

Once you have the coordinates, you can engrave them on a necklace, bracelet, ring, keychain, or dog tag.

Fun Facts About GPS Coordinates

  • The GPS system uses 24+ satellites orbiting Earth to calculate your exact position
  • GPS coordinates can pinpoint a location to within about 3 feet (1 meter)
  • The coordinate system was formalized in the 18th century for naval navigation
  • Latitude 0°, Longitude 0° is a spot in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa — called "Null Island"
  • Mount Everest's coordinates are 27.9881° N, 86.9250° E

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the GPS coordinates of where I met someone?

Open Google Maps, navigate to the exact spot (the restaurant, campus building, or street corner), and long-press or right-click to get the coordinates. If you don't remember the exact spot, get as close as you can — the sentiment matters more than the decimal.

What format should I use for coordinates jewelry?

Decimal degrees (like 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W) is the most popular format for engraving because it's clean and fits well on jewelry. But you can request any format.

Do I need to include the N/S/E/W letters?

It's optional — some customers include them for clarity, others prefer just the numbers for a more minimal look. Both work beautifully on jewelry.

What if I don't know the exact address?

That's okay! Drop a pin on the general area in Google Maps. The coordinates will be close enough to represent that place and the memory attached to it.