Qibla Finder

Find the exact direction to the Kaaba from wherever you're standing. Enter your location and get a precise compass bearing and distance to Makkah — accurate anywhere on Earth.

What is Qibla Finder?

The Qibla is the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, which Muslims face during prayer. Finding the correct Qibla direction is essential for every Muslim, whether at home, traveling, or in a new city. The Qibla direction varies depending on your geographic location on Earth.

This tool uses your device's GPS and compass sensors to show the exact Qibla direction in real-time. It also calculates the great-circle distance to Makkah, giving you a complete picture of your position relative to Islam's holiest site.

Formula

Qibla angle = atan2(sin(Δλ), cos(φ₁)·tan(φ₂) - sin(φ₁)·cos(Δλ))

Where: φ₁ = your latitude, φ₂ = Makkah latitude (21.4225°), Δλ = longitude difference

Distance = R · arccos(sin(φ₁)·sin(φ₂) + cos(φ₁)·cos(φ₂)·cos(Δλ))

R = Earth radius (6,371 km)

How to Calculate

Allow location access or search for your city.
The Qibla direction is calculated automatically.
If your device has a compass, rotate your phone to align the arrow with the Qibla.
View the distance to Makkah in kilometers.

Example

From New York (40.7128°N, 74.0060°W), the Qibla direction is approximately 58.5° from North (northeast). The distance to Makkah is about 10,300 km. From London (51.5074°N, 0.1278°W), the Qibla is approximately 118.8° (southeast).

Key Benefits

Find Qibla direction from anywhere
Coordinates to Mecca precise direction
Use online compass
Never wrong direction for prayer

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using magnetic north not true north for navigation
Great circle shortest path differs from flat line
General direction suffices close enough facing

Pro Tips

Great circle shortest path to Kaaba
Magnetic declination varies by location
Facing general direction suffices when unsure

Key Terms Explained

Qibla: Direction facing Kaaba Mecca
Kaaba: Sacred mosque in Mecca
Great Circle: Shortest globe path
Azimuth: Compass direction angle

Common Use Cases

Finding Qibla direction in a new hotel room while traveling
Setting up a prayer space at home with correct orientation
Determining Qibla for mosques in non-Muslim countries
Teaching children about the direction of prayer

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the Qibla calculation?

The calculation is mathematically precise to within 0.1°. However, the accuracy of your input coordinates and compass reading affects the practical result. GPS coordinates are typically accurate to within a few meters.

What if I don't know my coordinates?

You can use the 'Use My Location' button to automatically detect your position, or search for your city. Most smartphones also have a built-in compass that works with this tool.

Does the Qibla direction change over time?

No, the Qibla direction from a fixed location remains constant because the Kaaba's position doesn't change. However, as you move to different locations, the direction changes.

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