Finding exact coordinates on Google Maps helps you share locations, set meeting points, or record spots for later. This guide shows how to get coordinates on Google Map quickly and accurately on both mobile and desktop.
Whether you are planning a route, logging a field point, or embedding a location, the process is simple once you know where to look. The following steps cover different devices and use cases so you can apply them in everyday situations.
| Device | Action to Get Coordinates | Coordinate Format | Copy Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | Long-press location, tap dropped pin | Degrees, minutes, seconds | Share or note from dropped pin |
| iPhone | Long-press location, tap info | Decimal degrees | Share or copy from info card |
| Desktop Web | Right-click location, select What's here | Decimal degrees | Appears in search box, copy manually |
| Saved Places | Open place, view details | Decimal degrees | Share or export from place menu |
How to Find Coordinates on Google Map Mobile App
On mobile, you get coordinates by dropping a pin and opening its details. This works similarly on Android and iOS, with slight differences in tap labels.
Start by opening the Google Maps app, searching the area, and long-pressing the exact spot where you want the coordinate. A red pin and card will appear at that location.
Tap the dropped pin or red marker, then select the share icon or an option labeled “What’s here”. The coordinates for that point will appear on the card in decimal degrees or DMS format depending on your settings.
Coordinate Formats on Mobile
The app can show results in degrees minutes seconds or decimal degrees based on how you configure the unit format. Decimal degrees are common for digital sharing and GPS input.
How to Get Coordinates on Google Map Desktop
On a computer, you use the right-click menu and the hidden What’s here feature to reveal coordinates. The steps differ slightly from mobile but follow the same logic.
Open google.com/maps in your browser, search the address or place, then right-click the exact location on the map. From the context menu, choose “What’s here”.
A card will appear at the bottom showing the latitude and longitude in decimal degrees. You can copy these numbers directly from the text field shown on the screen.
Saving and Using Places for Quick Coordinates
Saving a place lets you revisit and export coordinates later, which is useful for frequently used spots or team reference.
Search the point of interest, click the name, then choose “Save” and add it to a custom list. Open your lists from the menu to review saved locations and their details.
From the place details, you may find a share option that includes coordinates, or you can manually note them from the map using the right-click or tap method described earlier.
Best Practices for Using Coordinates from Google Maps
Using coordinates reliably helps avoid confusion when sharing locations or importing data into navigation tools.
- Always verify the pin is exactly where you intend before recording coordinates.
- Use decimal degrees for digital sharing and GPS devices, and DMS for paper maps or specific regional requirements.
- Copy coordinates into a notes app or spreadsheet right after capture to prevent accidental changes.
- Save important places in your Google account so you can retrieve coordinates later across devices.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I get coordinates for a saved place without dropping a pin?
Yes, open the saved place from your lists or search, then view its details. The latitude and longitude are usually displayed in the description or share menu without needing to drop a pin on the map.
Why do the coordinates change when I switch between formats on Google Maps?
Changing between decimal degrees, minutes, and seconds reformats the same location value for readability or GPS import. The underlying position does not move, only the display style changes.
Do coordinates on mobile and desktop always match exactly?
They should match to several decimal places, but tiny differences can appear due to rounding, screen precision, or the exact moment you capture the point. For critical work, use the same device and method consistently.
Is there a way to copy coordinates automatically instead of typing them?
On desktop, after you open “What’s here”, you can sometimes copy directly from the field. On mobile, use the share option from the pin card to send coordinates to messaging apps without manual typing.