Google Plus Codes (also called Open Location Codes) are a simple way to share precise locations anywhere in the world. They work like street addresses but for places that don’t have them—remote hiking spots, festival campsites, or delivery points in areas without formal addressing systems.
The challenge? Plus Codes aren’t directly compatible with most GPS devices, mapping software, or data analysis tools that require standard latitude and longitude coordinates. Whether you’re importing locations into a GIS system, setting up navigation waypoints, or working with geospatial data, you need those decimal coordinates.
This free converter instantly transforms any Plus Code into precise GPS coordinates—and works in reverse too. No sign-up required, no API keys needed, and it works entirely in your browser for maximum privacy.
What Are Plus Codes?
Plus Codes are a geocoding system developed by Google that encodes geographic locations into short alphanumeric strings. A typical Plus Code looks like 8FVC9G8F+6X—a combination of letters and numbers with a “+” symbol.
There are two types of Plus Codes you’ll encounter:
- Full codes (like 8FVC9G8F+6X) are globally unique and work anywhere without additional context. They have 8 or more characters before the “+” symbol.
- Short codes (like 9G8F+6X) are abbreviated versions that only work when you know the city or region. They’re shorter but require location context to decode.
The converter automatically detects which type you’re entering and prompts for location context when needed.
How to Use This Converter
Converting Plus Codes to Coordinates
- Enter your Plus Code in the input field (e.g., 8FVC9G8F+6X)
- If it’s a short code, start typing the city name and select from the suggestions
- Click “Convert to Coordinates”
- Copy the latitude and longitude values or open the location directly in Google Maps
Converting Coordinates to Plus Codes
- Switch to the “Lat/Lng → Plus Code” tab
- Enter your latitude and longitude values
- Click “Get Plus Code”
- Copy the generated Plus Code to share your location
Batch Converting Multiple Codes
Need to convert many Plus Codes at once? The Batch Convert tab handles multiple entries:
- Enter one Plus Code per line
- For short codes, add the location after a comma (e.g., “9G8F+6X, Paris”)
- Click “Batch Convert” to process all entries
- Export results as a CSV file for use in spreadsheets or databases
Common Use Cases
Field research and surveys: Researchers collecting location data often receive Plus Codes from mobile devices. Converting them to coordinates enables integration with GIS software and spatial analysis tools.
Delivery and logistics: In areas without formal addresses, Plus Codes provide precise delivery locations. Converting to coordinates allows integration with fleet management and routing systems.
Emergency services: When someone shares a Plus Code during an emergency, responders can quickly convert it to coordinates compatible with their navigation systems.
Travel planning: Convert Plus Codes from travel guides or recommendations into coordinates you can save to your GPS device or offline maps.
Data migration: Organizations transitioning between location systems can batch convert Plus Code datasets to standard coordinate formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are the converted coordinates?
Plus Codes encode locations to approximately 3 meters (about 10 feet) of precision. The converter returns the center point of this area, giving you coordinates accurate enough for navigation, mapping, and most practical applications.
Why do some Plus Codes require a city name?
Short Plus Codes (fewer than 8 characters before the “+”) are designed to be easier to remember and share within a specific area. They’re only unique within roughly a 100km radius, so the converter needs to know which region you’re referring to. Full codes work globally without any additional context.
Does this tool store my location data?
No. All conversions happen directly in your browser using the open-source Open Location Code library. Your Plus Codes and coordinates are never sent to any server or stored anywhere. The only external call is to OpenStreetMap’s Nominatim service when you search for city names for short codes.
What coordinate format does the converter output?
The converter outputs decimal degrees (DD) format, which is the most widely used format for digital mapping and GPS systems. For example: 47.3769, 8.5417. If you need degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS) format, you can use a separate coordinate format converter.
How do I find a Plus Code for a location?
You can find Plus Codes in Google Maps by dropping a pin on any location—the Plus Code appears in the location details. You can also use the reverse converter tab here: enter any latitude and longitude coordinates to generate the corresponding Plus Code.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes, completely free with no usage limits. The converter uses the open-source Open Location Code library and OpenStreetMap’s free geocoding service. No API keys or accounts required.
Can I convert Plus Codes in bulk?
Yes. Use the Batch Convert tab to process multiple Plus Codes at once. Enter one code per line, and for short codes, add the location after a comma. Results can be exported as a CSV file for use in spreadsheets, databases, or GIS applications.