Plus Code to Lat Long Converter
Decode a Plus Code (Open Location Code) to latitude and longitude — and encode coordinates back to a Plus Code. Free, runs entirely in your browser.
Plus Code → Latitude / Longitude
Latitude / Longitude → Plus Code
Quick version: a short location reference like 87G8Q23F+8Q is a Plus Code, and this tool turns it into regular latitude/longitude you can use anywhere. Paste the code to get the coordinates, or type a lat/long to create the matching Plus Code.
Great for sharing a precise location that has no street address, or for decoding a code someone sent you. Runs entirely in your browser — no account, no upload.
What Is a Plus Code?
A Plus Code — technically an Open Location Code (OLC) — is a free, open way to name any location on Earth, including places that have no street address. It looks like 87G8Q23F+8Q and is calculated directly from latitude and longitude, so no lookup table or internet connection is needed to convert between them.
Because the standard is open and works offline, Plus Codes can be used in mapping, navigation, logistics, and aid delivery — especially in places that do not have reliable street addresses.
How to Convert a Plus Code to Lat/Long
A Plus Code encodes a small grid cell rather than a single point, so decoding returns the coordinates of the centre of that cell. Longer codes mean smaller cells and higher precision:
- 8 characters before the + → ≈ 275 m cell
- 10 characters (e.g. 87G8Q23F+8Q) → ≈ 14 m cell
- 11 characters → ≈ 3 m cell
To go the other way, the encoder takes decimal-degree latitude and longitude and produces a full Plus Code for that location.
Full vs Short Plus Codes
A full code (8 characters before the +) is globally unique on its own. A short code drops the leading 4 characters and pairs the rest with a nearby place name — handy to say out loud, but only meaningful near that place. This tool decodes full codes; if you have a short code like Q23F+8Q New York, prepend the area code first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Plus Code?
A Plus Code (also called an Open Location Code, or OLC) is a short code like 87G8Q23F+8Q that represents any spot on Earth, even places without a street address. It is an open standard derived directly from latitude and longitude, so it can be converted back and forth with no database lookup.
How do I convert a Plus Code to latitude and longitude?
Paste the full Plus Code (including the "+" and any area/city prefix) into the converter above. It decodes the code to the centre of the grid cell it represents and returns decimal-degree latitude and longitude. A 10-digit code (like 87G8Q23F+8Q) resolves to roughly a 14 × 14 metre square.
What is a short Plus Code vs a full Plus Code?
A full code has 8 characters before the "+" and works anywhere on its own (e.g. 87G8Q23F+8Q). A short code drops the first 4 characters and adds a place name (e.g. Q23F+8Q New York) so it only makes sense near that place. The converter here needs a full code; if you have a short one, add the town or city.
How accurate is a Plus Code?
It depends on length. An 8-character code (before the +) is about 275 m, a 10-character code about 14 m, and an 11-character code about 3 m. Adding more characters after the + narrows it further.
Are Plus Codes the same as what3words?
No. Both give address-free location references, but Plus Codes (Open Location Code) are an open, free, algorithmic standard derived from latitude/longitude, while what3words is a proprietary system that maps 3 m squares to three-word combinations from a private dictionary.
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