Interactive Equator Map at 0° Latitude
Explore an interactive Equator map at 0° latitude, inspect coordinates, see the countries crossed on land, and learn how its WGS 84 circumference is derived.
The Equator is the 0° parallel of latitude. It divides Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and forms a great circle with an approximate WGS 84 ellipsoidal circumference of 40,075.017 km (24,901.461 mi).
Jump to a longitude
You can also click anywhere on the map to inspect the nearest Equator longitude. The latitude remains exactly 0°.
Equator Map: Reference Details
0°
The Equator is the zero-degree parallel.
180° W to 180° E
Select a longitude with the input, slider, shortcuts, or map.
≈ 40,075.017 km
WGS 84 ellipsoid value derived using C = 2πa.
OpenStreetMap tiles
Map tiles need an internet connection; attribution appears below the map.
How to Use the Equator
Use this free Equator map to explore longitude, coordinates, and the reference latitude line.
- 1Explore the Equator map: Pan and zoom along the teal 0° latitude line on the interactive world map.
- 2Choose a longitude: Enter a longitude, move the slider, choose a regional shortcut, or click the map to place the selected point along the Equator.
- 3Read or copy the coordinate: The selected point always has latitude 0°. Read its decimal and degrees-minutes-seconds longitude, then copy the coordinate if needed.
- 4Compare land and ocean crossings: Use the country list below to distinguish the 11 countries crossed on land from the Maldives and Kiribati, whose territorial waters the Equator also crosses.
A map reference for 0° latitude
The Equator is the zero-degree parallel: every point on the line has latitude 0°. The circumference shown here is derived from the WGS 84 ellipsoid semi-major axis (a = 6,378,137 m) using C = 2πa, then rounded to 0.001 km. The displayed line and basemap are for geographic reference, not surveying or legal boundary work.
Find the Equator at the Prime Meridian
A student wants the coordinate where 0° latitude meets 0° longitude.
Input Parameters
- Latitude
- 0°
- Longitude
- 0°
Computed Outputs
- Coordinate
- 0.000000°, 0.000000°
- Location
- Gulf of Guinea, Atlantic Ocean
Step-by-Step Mathematical Process
- Set the longitude control to 0°.
- Read the selected coordinate card.
Inspect the Equator near Lake Victoria
A map reader wants to follow the Equator through East Africa.
Input Parameters
- Latitude
- 0°
- Longitude
- 33° E (approximate regional reference)
Computed Outputs
- Coordinate
- 0.000000°, 33.000000° E
- Reference
- Lake Victoria region
Step-by-Step Mathematical Process
- Choose the Lake Victoria shortcut.
- Inspect the selected marker on the Equator.
Measure the WGS 84 equatorial circumference
A GIS learner wants to understand the length shown in the reference card.
Input Parameters
- WGS 84 semi-major axis
- 6,378,137 m
- Formula
- 2πa
Computed Outputs
- Circumference
- 40,075.017 km (approximately)
Step-by-Step Mathematical Process
- Use the WGS 84 equatorial semi-major axis a.
- Multiply it by 2π to obtain the ellipse circumference at latitude 0°.
Understanding Your Results & Practical Interpretation
Latitude remains zero
Every selected map point is constrained to 0° latitude. Only longitude changes as you move along the Equator.
Longitude identifies the position around the circle
Longitude is reported east or west of the Prime Meridian. Decimal degrees and degrees-minutes-seconds describe the same angular coordinate.
Land crossings differ from territorial-water crossings
The Equator crosses the land of 11 sovereign states. Broader lists of 13 include the Maldives and Kiribati because the line crosses their territorial waters, rather than their major land areas.
Practical Applications & Real-World Use Cases
Learn latitude and longitude
See how the 0° parallel divides the hemispheres and how longitude identifies positions around a full circle.
Plan geography lessons
Locate the Equator across South America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, then discuss its crossings and coordinate grid.
Check a coordinate reference
Inspect or copy a point constrained to latitude 0° for a map exercise or geographic reference.
Mathematical Methodology & Geodetic Accuracy
Zero-Degree Geodetic Latitude and WGS 84 Equatorial Circumference
The mapped line uses latitude φ = 0° at every longitude. For the WGS 84 reference ellipsoid, the equatorial circumference is the circumference of its equatorial ellipse, calculated from its semi-major axis.
φ = 0°; C = 2πa; a = 6,378,137 m; C ≈ 40,075.017 kmLimitations & Boundary Conditions
- •The map is a visualization and is not a legal boundary or surveying product.
- •The Equator is a mathematical parallel; terrain, coastlines, and national boundaries do not follow it.
- •Regional shortcut coordinates are rounded map references, not surveyed monuments.
Troubleshooting & Geographic Edge Cases
The line looks slightly curved or offset on my map. Is the latitude wrong?
The line is defined as 0° latitude. The basemap uses a map projection and raster tiles, so screen placement can look different from the underlying coordinate geometry at some zoom levels.
Why does changing longitude leave latitude at zero?
This tool selects positions along the Equator itself. It intentionally fixes latitude at 0° and lets you inspect longitude around the circle.
Why do some sources say 11 countries and others say 13?
Eleven countries have land crossed by the Equator. Lists of 13 also include the Maldives and Kiribati, where the Equator crosses territorial waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Equator is the parallel at 0° latitude, shown as a line around Earth halfway between the North and South Poles. It divides the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.