The degree is the most common practical angle unit, dividing a full circle into 360 equal parts.
Its origin traces to ancient Babylonian base-60 mathematics; 360's many divisors made it practical for everyday use.
Measurement system: Non-SI, widely used unit. SI equivalent: 1° = π/180 rad ≈ 0.01745 rad.
Degree facts
- Unit name
- Degree
- Symbol
- °
- Category
- Angle
- Measurement system
- Non-SI, widely used unit
- SI equivalent
- 1° = π/180 rad ≈ 0.01745 rad
- Common uses
- Navigation, geography (latitude/longitude), engineering drawings, everyday angle measurement
Definition of the degree
The degree is the most common practical angle unit, dividing a full circle into 360 equal parts.
Measurement system and SI relationship
Non-SI, widely used unit
SI equivalent: 1° = π/180 rad ≈ 0.01745 rad
History of the degree
Its origin traces to ancient Babylonian base-60 mathematics; 360's many divisors made it practical for everyday use.
Where is the degree used?
Navigation, geography (latitude/longitude), engineering drawings, everyday angle measurement