Skip to content

Compass-to-True Heading Record Check

Reconcile explicit Compass, Magnetic and True heading stages with signed deviation, signed variation and an independent true-heading reference.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Explicit compass heading C, heading-specific signed deviation, chart/location/date-specific signed variation and an independent true-heading reference
Output to expect
Calculated magnetic M and true T stages, total compass error and signed difference from the entered true reference
How it works
Corrects C→M→T by adding east and subtracting west, normalizes directions and preserves all reference labels; it does not adjust or certify a compass
  • Verify compass identity, current deviation table/heading, chart date/location variation, Add-East signs, local magnetic disturbance and that every direction is labeled C, M or T.
  • Use current official ENCs/charts/notices, competent navigation and independent position/heading checks; never steer, clear a route or command an autopilot from this worksheet alone.

Choose your path

Built around the job you need to finish

Reconcile explicit Compass, Magnetic and True heading stages with current signed deviation/variation records and an independent true-heading reference.

Navigator checking a logged compass conversion

Keep C, M and T labels and Add-East signs explicit.

Enter compass heading, heading-specific deviation, chart/date/location variation and independent true reference.

Sees magnetic/true stages and signed difference without label ambiguity.

Operator investigating a heading discrepancy

Separate arithmetic from compass adjustment and local disturbance.

Verify compass identity, deviation table, variation source and independent reference externally.

Uses the worksheet as a record diagnostic rather than a compass certificate.

Skipper planning or steering a route

Keep current charts, notices, hazards and position checks above arithmetic.

Use official ENCs/charts and competent navigation for route and heading decisions.

Never treats the result as a heading order or autopilot command.

Was this tool helpful?

Reference & details

How it works

Compass, Magnetic and True Stay Explicit

The entered compass heading C is corrected by signed deviation to magnetic M, then signed variation converts M to true T. Every output retains its reference label.

Correcting Add East

East deviation and variation are positive; west values are negative. Directions are normalized after the two stages, including entered 360 degrees as 000.

Independent Reference Comparison

The calculated true heading is compared with an independent entered true reference. The difference does not adjust, swing or certify a compass.

Updated: August 2026

Example Scenarios

Enter the exact compass reading, heading-specific deviation and current chart variation, then inspect the M and T stages.

Compare the arithmetic with an independent true reference before checking compass identity, deviation table, signs and local disturbance.

Use current official ENCs/charts, notices and competent navigation for steering, route clearance and position checks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Calling a compass heading magnetic

Compass C becomes magnetic M only after applying the current heading-specific deviation. Keep C, M and T labels distinct.

Using stale variation or a generic deviation value

Variation is location/date specific; residual deviation depends on the vessel, compass and heading. Verify both sources and east/west signs.

FAQ

Compass C plus signed deviation gives magnetic M; magnetic M plus signed variation gives true T. East is positive and west negative.

The vessel's magnetic influences vary with its orientation, so residual deviation is taken from a compass- and heading-specific table.

No. It is a record discrepancy that may involve source, sign, timing, compass, local disturbance or independent-reference issues.

Not from this worksheet alone. Use current official navigation products, independent position/heading checks and competent navigation.

Review NGA's American Practical Navigator and magnetic-compass handbook plus current NOAA navigation products linked in the authority panel.

About Compass-to-True Heading Record Check

Use this worksheet to reconcile one C→M→T heading record with an independent true reference. It is not a compass adjustment, navigation fix, heading order, route clearance or autopilot command.