The bearing from B to A differs from A to B by 180°, wrapped into 000°–360°.
Key formulas
Add or subtract
If the forward bearing is less than 180°, add 180°. If it is 180° or more, subtract 180°.
Example
A to B is 070°. B to A is 250°.
Journey problems
Sketch north lines at each point. Do not reuse one north arrow for every vertex of a multi-leg trip.
Worked example
Worked example
Problem. The bearing from A to B is 070°. Find the bearing from B to A.
Solution. Back bearing = 070° + 180° = 250°.
Format
Write bearings as three figures: 070°, not 70°.
Review quiz
Forward bearing 200°. Back bearing is:
Practice questions
- Forward 200°. Find the back bearing.
- Forward 015°. Find the back bearing.
Study notes
Is bearing measured from north?
Yes — clockwise from north in standard school questions.