This key facts covers Key Compass Bearings within Bearings for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Bearings in Geometry & Measures for GCSE Mathematics with 19 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 3 of 9 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Key Compass Bearings
| Direction | Bearing | How to Remember |
|---|---|---|
| North | 000° (or 360°) | Starting point |
| East | 090° | Quarter turn clockwise |
| South | 180° | Half turn (opposite to North) |
| West | 270° | Three-quarters turn |
| North-East | 045° | Halfway between N (000°) and E (090°) |
| South-East | 135° | Halfway between E (090°) and S (180°) |
| South-West | 225° | Halfway between S (180°) and W (270°) |
| North-West | 315° | Halfway between W (270°) and N (360°) |
Practice questions for Bearings
A ship travels in the direction of North-East. Which of the following correctly writes this as a three-figure bearing?
Explain how to find the back bearing (return bearing) of any given bearing. Your answer should cover both cases.
Quick recall flashcards
Bearing of East
090° (quarter turn clockwise from North)
Bearing of West
270° (three-quarters turn clockwise from North)