MGRS Coordinate Converter

MGRS → Latitude & Longitude
Latitude & Longitude → MGRS
Created by :- Narendra
Last Updated: 02-07-2025

What is MGRS?

The Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) is a standardized geocoordinate system used by NATO military forces. It’s a variation of the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system, dividing the Earth’s surface into zones and 100,000-meter grid squares.


Example MGRS Coordinate:

33TWN8567932516

This represents a very precise location on Earth, accurate to within 1 meter.

MGRS Coordinate Structure

4Q
FJ
12345678

Grid Zone Designator

4Q
  • • Longitudinal zone (1-60)
  • • Latitudinal band (C-X)
  • • 60 zones × 20 bands
  • • Excludes letters I and O
Each zone is 6° wide, each band is 8° high

100km Square ID

FJ
  • • Identifies 100km × 100km square
  • • Unique within each GZD
  • • Derived from lettering scheme
  • • Scheme varies by zone
Provides local reference within the grid zone

Numerical Location

12345678
1234 = Easting (E-W)
5678 = Northing (N-S)
Precision Levels:
2Digits → 10 km precision
4Digits → 1 km precision
6Digits → 100 m precision
8Digits → 10 m precision
10Digits → 1 m precision

Earth's Grid Division

Longitudinal Zones
  • • 60 zones (1-60)
  • • Each 6° wide
  • • Zone 1: 180°W-174°W
  • • Zone 60: 174°E-180°E
Latitudinal Bands
  • • 20 bands (C-X)
  • • Each 8° high
  • • Band C: 80°S-72°S
  • • Band X: 72°N-84°N

Visual Representation

Zone 1Zone 60Band CBand X

Simplified representation of Earth's MGRS grid

Example Conversion

Input (MGRS)

33TWN8567932516

1-meter precision coordinate

Output (Lat/Long)

50.0567°N, 8.6821°E

WGS84 datum

This represents a location in Frankfurt, Germany with very high precision.

Why Use an MGRS Converter?

Military Operations

Essential for tactical maps, mission planning, and navigation.

Disaster Response

First responders can pinpoint exact locations quickly.

GIS & Mapping

Integrates with GPS systems and mapping software.

Outdoor Activities

Helps hikers and adventurers navigate remote areas.

Surveying

Critical for engineers and cartographers.

Drone Operations

Precision navigation for UAV missions.

FAQ on MRGS Converter

1. What’s the difference between MGRS and UTM?

MGRS is a more readable version of UTM with added letters to represent 100,000-meter squares, simplifying map reading for military use.

2. What level of precision does MGRS offer?

MGRS can be as precise as 1 meter. The longer the coordinate, the higher the precision.

3. Is MGRS used outside of the military?

Yes, it’s widely used in emergency services, GIS software, and land surveying because of its accuracy and universal format.

Did You Know?

1. MGRS can pinpoint a location on Earth with precision up to 1 meter, making it one of the most accurate and efficient coordinate systems used in global military and emergency operations.