How to Calculate a Reverse Direction

Because the system of degrees used to measure direction is marked as a regular set of points around a circle, you can calculate the opposite of any direction on a compass.

Things You'll Need

  • Notebook Papers And Pencil
  • Base Plate Compasses
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Instructions

    • 1

      Add 180 degrees to calculate the reverse direction if the original direction is between 0 and 180 degrees.

    • 2

      Subtract 180 degrees to calculate the reverse direction if the original direction is between 180 and 360 degrees.

    • 3

      Set the baseplate compass to the reverse direction to return to your starting point.