Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 26 October 2026
Quick answer: This online compass reads your phone's orientation sensors through the browser and shows which way the top of the phone points, in degrees and as a compass point such as NE. Hold the phone flat, away from metal and magnets. On iPhone you will be asked to allow motion and orientation access before it starts.
TL;DR
- Uses the phone's magnetometer via the browser.
- Hold flat and away from metal.
- Shows degrees and 16-point direction.
- Laptops usually have no compass sensor.
- Magnetic north is not true north.
How to use the online compass
Tap Start and allow motion access if asked. Hold the phone flat in front of you. The dial rotates so that N points to magnetic north, and the number shows your heading in degrees, where 0 is north, 90 east, 180 south and 270 west. If it seems off, calibrate with a figure-eight motion.
How browsers read a compass
Phones combine a magnetometer with motion sensors. Browsers expose the result through device orientation events; Safari on iPhone adds a compass heading value. Desktop computers typically lack the sensor, so the tool will say so.
Magnetic vs true north
A compass points to magnetic north, which differs from geographic north by the magnetic declination. Declination varies by place and changes slowly over time; NOAA's NCEI publishes calculators. For most everyday purposes a few degrees do not matter, but for hiking with a map you should correct for it.
Online compass interference
Steel, speakers, magnetic phone mounts and laptop lids all distort readings. Inside a car the heading can be far off; outdoors and a step away from the vehicle, it settles. See our compass directions explained guide.
16-point compass table
| Point | Degrees |
|---|---|
| N | 0° |
| NNE | 22.5° |
| NE | 45° |
| ENE | 67.5° |
| E | 90° |
| ESE | 112.5° |
| SE | 135° |
| SSE | 157.5° |
| S | 180° |
| SSW | 202.5° |
| SW | 225° |
| WSW | 247.5° |
| W | 270° |
| WNW | 292.5° |
| NW | 315° |
| NNW | 337.5° |
In the app
Speedometer PRO has a Compass tab next to the speed and map views.
Related: Free speed tools · Speedometer with compass · Compass directions explained · Walking speed tracker for walks and hikes · Boat speedometer app: GPS speed over ground · Online speedometer: your speed in the browser · How fast am I going right now? · Speed distance time calculator
Get Speedometer PRO on Google Play · Download on the App Store · Set it up before you move; never handle your phone while driving.
Sources
- Compass (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Magnetic declination (NOAA NCEI): ncei.noaa.gov (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Magnetic declination (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
FAQ
Does the online compass work on a laptop?
Rarely. Most laptops have no magnetometer, so the browser cannot report a heading. Use a phone instead.
Why does it ask for motion access?
On iPhone, Safari requires permission before a page can read orientation sensors. Allowing it lets the compass work; nothing is sent anywhere.
Why is it wrong in my car?
The car's steel body, speakers and any magnetic mount distort the magnetic field near the phone. Step outside and away from the car for a better reading.
Does it show true north?
It shows magnetic north. Add or subtract your local declination, available from NOAA, to get true north.
Does it need internet?
Only to load the page the first time. The sensor reading itself works offline.