Convert Lat/Long to GARS

Enter a decimal latitude and longitude to get the GARS (Global Area Reference System) reference, or paste a reference like 430LE37 to decode it. GARS covers the world with 30-minute cells, each split into four 15-minute quadrants and nine 5-minute keypads, so one short code names an area anywhere on the planet.

Enter coordinates above to see the GARS reference at all three levels.

How to use it

  1. Type the decimal latitude (for example 32.0853).
  2. Type the decimal longitude (for example 34.7818).
  3. Read the reference at all three levels; the cell, quadrant, and keypad update instantly.
  4. Copy any row with its Copy button, or flip the toggle to decode a reference instead.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert latitude and longitude to GARS?

Enter the decimal latitude and longitude. The GARS reference appears immediately at the 30-minute, 15-minute, and 5-minute levels; no button press needed.

Is this converter free?

Personal and non-commercial use is free; commercial use needs a paid license. No login, no upload; the conversion runs entirely in your browser.

How precise is a GARS reference?

GARS names areas, not points: cells are 30 minutes of arc per side, quadrants 15 minutes, keypads 5 minutes (roughly 9 km). It is built for fast area coordination, not meter-level targeting; for that, use MGRS.

New to the system? Read what GARS is and how it differs from MGRS. Need meter precision instead? Convert lat/long to MGRS. Or see the cells drawn live with the GARS grid overlay on the map.