Geocentric vs Geodetic Latitude Converter
Converts between geocentric and geodetic latitude using the reference ellipsoid parameters.
Enter Values
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How to use this calculator
- Enter the geodetic latitude.
- Press Calculate.
- Read the geocentric latitude and the difference.
How it works
Converts geodetic latitude to geocentric latitude: tan(geocentric) = (1 − e²)·tan(geodetic) on the WGS84 ellipsoid.
Worked example
45° geodetic. ≈ 44.81° geocentric — the two agree at the equator and poles.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference?
Geodetic latitude is measured from the ellipsoid normal (what maps use); geocentric is measured from the Earth's centre. They differ by up to ~0.19°.
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Cite this tool
Zerdly. (2026). Geocentric vs Geodetic Latitude Converter. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/geocentric-vs-geodetic-latitude-converter/
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
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