Understanding Bearings: A GCSE Guide
What are Bearings?
Bearings are a way to describe the direction of one point from another
using angles measured in degrees. They are commonly used in navigation
to describe directions on maps, boats, and airplanes.
Key Facts About Bearings:
1. Measured from North: Bearings are always measured from the
north, which is the 0° reference point.
2. Clockwise Direction: Bearings are measured in the clockwise
direction from the north.
3. Three-Digit Format: Bearings are written using three digits,
even if the angle is less than 100°. For example:
• 045° instead of 45°
• 090° instead of 90°
4. Range of Values: Bearings range from 000° (North) to 360°
(just before North again). For example:
• North is 000° or 360°
• East is 090°
• South is 180°
• West is 270°
, Examples:
• A bearing of 030° means the direction is 30° clockwise from
North.
• A bearing of 120° means the direction is 120° clockwise from
North.
• A bearing of 225° means the direction is 225° clockwise from
North (which is halfway between South and West).
How to Calculate Bearings:
When calculating the bearing of one point from another, you will often be
given a diagram or map showing two points. You need to measure or
calculate the angle between the north line and the line joining the two
points.
Step-by-Step Example:
You are at Point A, and you want to find the bearing of Point B:
1. Draw a North Line at Point A.
2. Draw a Line from Point A to Point B.
3. Measure the Angle between the North line and the line to
Point B, going clockwise.
Using Bearings to Find the Reverse Direction:
The bearing of Point A from Point B will not be the same as the bearing of
Point B from Point A. To find the reverse bearing, add or subtract 180°
from the given bearing:
• If the bearing is less than 180°, add 180°.
• If the bearing is more than 180°, subtract 180°.
What are Bearings?
Bearings are a way to describe the direction of one point from another
using angles measured in degrees. They are commonly used in navigation
to describe directions on maps, boats, and airplanes.
Key Facts About Bearings:
1. Measured from North: Bearings are always measured from the
north, which is the 0° reference point.
2. Clockwise Direction: Bearings are measured in the clockwise
direction from the north.
3. Three-Digit Format: Bearings are written using three digits,
even if the angle is less than 100°. For example:
• 045° instead of 45°
• 090° instead of 90°
4. Range of Values: Bearings range from 000° (North) to 360°
(just before North again). For example:
• North is 000° or 360°
• East is 090°
• South is 180°
• West is 270°
, Examples:
• A bearing of 030° means the direction is 30° clockwise from
North.
• A bearing of 120° means the direction is 120° clockwise from
North.
• A bearing of 225° means the direction is 225° clockwise from
North (which is halfway between South and West).
How to Calculate Bearings:
When calculating the bearing of one point from another, you will often be
given a diagram or map showing two points. You need to measure or
calculate the angle between the north line and the line joining the two
points.
Step-by-Step Example:
You are at Point A, and you want to find the bearing of Point B:
1. Draw a North Line at Point A.
2. Draw a Line from Point A to Point B.
3. Measure the Angle between the North line and the line to
Point B, going clockwise.
Using Bearings to Find the Reverse Direction:
The bearing of Point A from Point B will not be the same as the bearing of
Point B from Point A. To find the reverse bearing, add or subtract 180°
from the given bearing:
• If the bearing is less than 180°, add 180°.
• If the bearing is more than 180°, subtract 180°.
