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Bearings

Measure and draw three-figure bearings accurately from north, then use scale diagrams and angle facts in bearing problems.

Geometry and MeasuresFoundation and HigherGrades 4 to 7Skill

Curriculum path: GCSE Maths > Edexcel > Geometry and Measures > Bearings

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Maths geometry G15: measure and draw lines and angles, including bearings and scale diagrams.

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Revision notes

Theory, examples, and quick checks.

Keep the method short, then practise straight away. This note is written for GCSE Maths Edexcel students who need clear working and reliable method marks.

Theory

A bearing is an angle used to describe direction.

Bearings are measured clockwise from north.

Bearings are written with three figures, such as 052 degrees, 090 degrees or 235 degrees.

Always draw a north line at the starting point. The starting point matters.

To draw a bearing, put the centre of the protractor on the starting point and measure clockwise from the north line.

For a scale drawing bearing question, draw the bearing first, then measure the scaled distance along that line.

Reverse bearings often use parallel north lines. The bearing back is not always found by just swapping letters without thinking; use angle facts carefully.

If a bearing is more than 180 degrees, it points generally west of south or south of west. Read the three-figure angle carefully.

Key ruleBearings are measured clockwise from north at the starting point and written as three figures.

Diagram guide

NAB052 degreesbearing is measured clockwise from north
Three-figure bearingDraw the north line first, then measure clockwise to the direction line.
NAB060 degrees5 km on scaledraw bearing first, then measure the scaled distance
Bearing with distanceWhen distance is involved, use the scale after drawing the correct bearing line.

Worked examples

Write a bearing

The angle clockwise from north at A to B is 52 degrees. Write the bearing of B from A.

NAB052 degreesbearing is measured clockwise from north
Example: write with three figuresBearings below 100 degrees need a leading zero.
  1. Bearings are written using three figures.
  2. 52 degrees is written as 052 degrees.

Answer: 052 degrees

Draw a bearing

From point A, draw a line on a bearing of 060 degrees.

NAB052 degreesbearing is measured clockwise from north
Example: draw a bearingMeasure clockwise from the north line at A.
  1. Draw a north line through A.
  2. Place the protractor at A.
  3. Measure 60 degrees clockwise from north.
  4. Draw the ray in that direction.

Answer: A ray from A at 060 degrees.

Bearing and scale distance

A ship sails 5 km from A on a bearing of 060 degrees. The scale is 1 cm represents 1 km. Draw the position of the ship.

NAB060 degrees5 km on scaledraw bearing first, then measure the scaled distance
Example: bearing then distanceThe real distance of 5 km is 5 cm on this scale.
  1. Draw a north line at A.
  2. Measure a bearing of 060 degrees clockwise.
  3. Measure 5 cm along that line.
  4. Mark the ship's position.

Answer: A point 5 cm from A along a 060-degree bearing.

Reverse bearing

The bearing of B from A is 070 degrees. Find the bearing of A from B.

NAB052 degreesbearing is measured clockwise from north
Example: reverse bearingReverse directions differ by 180 degrees.
  1. The reverse direction is 180 degrees more because 070 is less than 180.
  2. 070 + 180 = 250.

Answer: 250 degrees

Common mistakes

  • Measuring anticlockwise instead of clockwise.
  • Forgetting the leading zero in bearings like 052 degrees.
  • Drawing north at the wrong point.
  • Using the distance before drawing the bearing line.
  • Assuming a reverse bearing without checking the 180-degree change.

Quick exercise

Try these before moving to the exam-style questions.

  1. Write 37 degrees as a three-figure bearing.
    NAB052 degreesbearing is measured clockwise from north
    Quick check: leading zeroBearings always use three figures.
  2. From which direction are bearings measured?
    NAB052 degreesbearing is measured clockwise from north
    Quick check: starting directionStart at north and turn clockwise.
  3. The bearing of B from A is 120 degrees. Find the bearing of A from B.
    NAB052 degreesbearing is measured clockwise from north
    Quick check: reverse bearingAdd or subtract 180 degrees.
  4. A scale is 1 cm represents 2 km. How far is 6 cm on the map?
    NAB060 degrees5 km on scaledraw bearing first, then measure the scaled distance
    Quick check: scale distanceMultiply the map distance by the real distance per cm.
  5. A line points due east. What is its bearing?
    NAB052 degreesbearing is measured clockwise from north
    Quick check: compass directionEast is a quarter turn clockwise from north.
Exam-style questions

Practise the same skill at three levels.

These are original GCSE-style questions with mark schemes, common wrong answers, and AI marking guidance so feedback stays close to exam expectations.

Basic GCSE styleFoundationNon-calculator2 marks

The angle clockwise from north to town B is 48 degrees. Write the bearing of B.

NAB052 degreesbearing is measured clockwise from north
Question diagram: three-figure bearingBearings must be written with three figures.
bearingsthree-figure bearingfoundation geometry
Standard exam styleFoundation and HigherNon-calculator4 marks

A boat sails from A on a bearing of 065 degrees for 8 km. Use a scale of 1 cm represents 2 km to draw the position of the boat.

NAB060 degrees5 km on scaledraw bearing first, then measure the scaled distance
Question diagram: bearing and scaleConvert 8 km to 4 cm on the drawing.
bearingsscale drawingdistance
ChallengeHigherNon-calculator3 marks

The bearing of B from A is 135 degrees. Find the bearing of A from B.

NAB052 degreesbearing is measured clockwise from north
Question diagram: reverse bearingReverse bearings are 180 degrees apart.
reverse bearingsangle factshigher geometry