Guide: find the Qibla and position your prayer mat
Our online Qibla compass instantly and freely shows you the direction of Mecca (the Kaaba) from anywhere in the world. Using geolocation, get the exact Qibla direction to orient your prayer (salat) and your mat, on mobile or desktop, with no app to install.
How to find the Qibla in 5 steps
- Tap "Locate me" and allow geolocation.
- Hold your phone flat in the palm of your hand.
- Enable the compass if your device asks for it.
- Slowly turn until the green arrow points to the Kaaba.
- You are now facing the Qibla.
Qibla direction from major cities
Here is the exact Qibla angle (in degrees from true north) and the distance to the Kaaba for the most searched cities. Use the compass above for your precise position.
| City | Qibla direction | Distance to the Kaaba |
|---|---|---|
| London | 119.0° | 4 794 km |
| Birmingham | 118.0° | 4 952 km |
| Manchester | 118.5° | 5 025 km |
| Leeds | 119.5° | 5 002 km |
| Glasgow | 118.3° | 5 264 km |
| Dublin | 114.1° | 5 257 km |
| New York | 58.5° | 10 306 km |
| Chicago | 48.7° | 11 146 km |
| Detroit | 52.0° | 10 822 km |
| Los Angeles | 23.9° | 13 424 km |
| Houston | 45.5° | 12 574 km |
| Washington, D.C. | 56.6° | 10 632 km |
| Toronto | 54.6° | 10 496 km |
| Montreal | 58.7° | 9 998 km |
| Vancouver | 16.7° | 11 974 km |
| Sydney | 277.5° | 13 236 km |
| Melbourne | 278.8° | 12 741 km |
| Auckland | 261.2° | 15 365 km |
| Kuala Lumpur | 292.5° | 6 974 km |
| Singapore | 293.0° | 7 269 km |
| Dubai | 258.2° | 1 631 km |
| Johannesburg | 14.6° | 5 446 km |
| Lagos | 63.3° | 4 251 km |
| Nairobi | 7.2° | 2 547 km |
Angles computed with the great-circle formula, the method used by nearly all religious authorities. The north shown is true north: if you use a classic compass, account for your local magnetic declination.
Frequently asked questions about the Qibla
How do I find the Qibla direction online?
Tap "Locate me": the compass uses your geolocation to instantly and freely calculate the direction of Mecca (the Kaaba) from your position.
Is the Qibla compass free?
Yes, the tool is 100% free, requires no sign-up, and works right in your browser on mobile and desktop.
How do I position my prayer mat?
Point the top of your mat toward the direction shown by the green arrow, which points to the Kaaba in Mecca.
Is the Qibla direction accurate?
The direction is computed with the great-circle formula between your GPS position and the Kaaba. Calibrate your compass with a figure-8 motion for better accuracy.
What is the Qibla direction from the UK and Ireland?
Across Britain and Ireland the Qibla sits between roughly 114° and 119° from true north, that is, towards the south-east. It is 119.0° from London, 118.0° from Birmingham, 118.5° from Manchester and 114.1° from Dublin. The table above gives the exact angle for the main cities.
What is the Qibla direction from North America?
From North America the Qibla points north-east rather than east, which surprises many people: 58.5° from New York, 58.7° from Montreal, 54.6° from Toronto and 16.7° from Vancouver. That bearing really is the shortest path to Mecca across the globe.
Do I need to account for magnetic declination?
Yes, if you use a classic magnetic compass: it points to magnetic north, while the Qibla angle is given from true north. The gap ranges from a few degrees in Europe to more than 15° in eastern Canada. The compass on this page reads your phone sensors directly, so it spares you that correction.