How the Qibla direction is found
The Qibla is the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah (21.4225° N, 39.8262° E). This tool uses the great-circle formula, the shortest route over the globe, to work out the initial bearing from your latitude and longitude to the Kaaba. It also shows the straight-line distance.
The answer changes with where you stand. From Europe the Qibla points south-east, from North America north-east, from South Asia a little north of west, and from Australia and Southeast Asia roughly west to north-west.
Using the live compass
- Tap Start live compass and allow motion access if your phone asks.
- Hold your phone flat and level, away from metal, magnets and speakers.
- Turn until the Kaaba marker sits at the top of the dial. You are now facing Qibla.
- If your device has no compass sensor, such as a laptop, use the bearing number with any compass app.
Plan your namaz with the prayer times for your city.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Qibla direction from my city?
It depends on where you are on the globe. As examples, measured clockwise from true north: about 119° (south-east) from London, 58° (north-east) from New York, 277° (west) from Sydney, 295° (north-west) from Jakarta and 260° (west) from Lahore. Choose your city or use your location to get the exact bearing.
Why does the compass need permission?
Some phones, especially iPhones, ask before sharing compass sensor data with a web page. Tap Start compass and allow it. The data never leaves your phone.
Why is my compass pointing the wrong way?
Magnetic interference is the usual cause. Move away from metal and electronics and wave your phone in a figure of eight to recalibrate. Also note that this bearing is from true north while a compass senses magnetic north, which differs by anything from 0 to 20 degrees depending on where you live. Check a magnetic declination map if you are far from the equator.
Is the Qibla a straight line on the map?
No. It follows the shortest path over the curved earth, called the great circle, which is how the bearing here is calculated.