Antipode Calculator

Finding an antipode relies on two straightforward geometric transformations of spherical coordinates. First, the latitude of your starting point is inverted in sign while keeping its absolute numerical value—meaning North becomes South, and South becomes North (Lat_anti = -Lat). Second, the longitude is adjusted by shifting it across the opposite side of the prime meridian. Mathematically, if your original longitude (Lon) is positive (East), you subtract 180 degrees; if it is negative (West), you add 180 degrees. The resulting longitude is calculated as Lon_anti = Lon > 0 ? Lon - 180 : Lon + 180. This guarantees you land on the exact opposite side of the globe.

Let us find the antipode of New York City, which is located at approximately 40.7128 degrees North latitude and 74.0060 degrees West longitude. First, we invert the latitude: since it is 40.7128 N, the antipode latitude becomes 40.7128 degrees South (-40.7128). Next, we adjust the longitude: because 74.0060 is a West coordinate (negative), we add 180 degrees to it, resulting in -74.0060 + 180 = 105.9940 degrees East. Therefore, the antipode of New York City is 40.7128 S, 105.9940 E, which places it in the Indian Ocean southwest of Australia.

When entering coordinates, always ensure you designate North/South and East/West correctly, or use positive numbers for North and East, and negative numbers for South and West. Keep in mind that roughly 71 percent of Earth's surface is covered by water, meaning most antipodal points will land in an ocean rather than on solid land. If you are planning a digging expedition, remember that the only major landmasses that are exact antipodes to each other are parts of East Asia and South America.