Is this magnetic north or true north?

The compass points to magnetic north, which differs from true (geographic) north by a value called magnetic declination. The difference varies by location — typically a few degrees. If you need true north (for navigation with a map), look up the declination for your area and adjust accordingly.

Why is my compass reading inaccurate or spinning?

Metal objects, electronics, and magnetic cases near your phone can interfere with the magnetometer. Step away from large metal objects, remove magnetic accessories, and calibrate by waving your phone in a figure-eight pattern a few times.

Does Compass need GPS or an internet connection?

No. The compass reads only the magnetometer and accelerometer — no GPS, no internet, and no location permission is required.

Can I use it indoors?

Yes, though concrete buildings with rebar, large speakers, and certain appliances can affect accuracy. For the most reliable reading, stand away from large metal structures.

Compass

APP

Find magnetic north and your heading.

Best on the app

Compass needs your phone's hardware

It needs the magnetometer to point to magnetic north. Download Carbide free to use it — plus all 111 tools, fully offline.

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What it does

Compass uses your device's magnetometer and accelerometer together to show you magnetic north and your precise heading in degrees, updated in real time as you rotate. A classic compass rose animates smoothly on screen — north is always clearly marked, and the current cardinal or intercardinal direction (N, NE, E, SE, etc.) is displayed alongside the numeric heading. Whether you're hiking, orienting a map, checking which way a window faces, or just satisfying curiosity, Carbide's Compass works instantly. It runs fully on your device, needs no GPS fix, no internet connection, and no sign-up — completely free and private from the moment you open it.

How to use the Compass

Open Compass from the Measurement category.
Hold your device flat and parallel to the ground for best accuracy.
Watch the compass rose rotate — the red needle always points to magnetic north.
Read the heading in degrees and the cardinal direction label below the dial.
If the reading seems off, calibrate by moving your phone in a figure-eight pattern a few times.

Frequently asked questions

Is this magnetic north or true north?: The compass points to magnetic north, which differs from true (geographic) north by a value called magnetic declination. The difference varies by location — typically a few degrees. If you need true north (for navigation with a map), look up the declination for your area and adjust accordingly.
Why is my compass reading inaccurate or spinning?: Metal objects, electronics, and magnetic cases near your phone can interfere with the magnetometer. Step away from large metal objects, remove magnetic accessories, and calibrate by waving your phone in a figure-eight pattern a few times.
Does Compass need GPS or an internet connection?: No. The compass reads only the magnetometer and accelerometer — no GPS, no internet, and no location permission is required.
Can I use it indoors?: Yes, though concrete buildings with rebar, large speakers, and certain appliances can affect accuracy. For the most reliable reading, stand away from large metal structures.

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