Locate positions using grid maps & directional language
Theory
A grid reference names a square on a map using its column letter first, then its row number, such as \(B2\). Compass words — north, south, east and west — describe a move from one square to another.
On a grid map the columns are labelled with letters and the rows are numbered.
A grid reference is written as the column letter first, then the row number, and it names the whole square where they meet.
Directions use north (up), south (down), east (right) and west (left) to describe a move.
A move between squares is described with compass words.
| Word | Move |
|---|---|
| North | up the map (row number increases) |
| South | down the map (row number decreases) |
| East | right (next column letter) |
| West | left (previous column letter) |
How to read a grid reference
- Find the column letter along the bottom.
- Find the row number up the side.
- Write the letter first, then the number, with no comma.
Read the column letter first, then the row.
\(S\) is in column \(B\), row \(2\), so it is \(B2\).
The letter comes first and the number second.
\(C4\) is the correct form.
The column stays \(B\), so the move is straight up.
Row \(2\) to row \(5\) is \(3\) squares north.
The column and row meet at one square.
\(D3\) names a whole square on the map.
Common pitfalls
Frequently asked questions
How do you write a grid reference?
Write the column letter first, then the row number, with nothing between them, such as \(B2\) or \(D3\).
Does a grid reference name a point or a square?
A square. The letter picks a column of squares and the number picks a row, and the reference is the square where they meet.
What do north, south, east and west mean on a map?
North is up, south is down, east is right and west is left. They describe which way a move goes between squares.
Why is \(2B\) wrong?
The column letter must come first. \(2B\) reverses the two parts and does not name a square on the map.