What is the standard format for expressing latitude?

The standard format for expressing latitude is two digits, which typically represent degrees. Latitude is measured in degrees north or south of the equator, which is designated as 0 degrees. The values for latitude can range from 0 degrees at the equator to 90 degrees at the poles, in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

When expressed in decimal form, latitude uses two digits for the degrees, and additional decimal places may be included to provide higher precision (such as 34.1234° N). In degrees-minutes-seconds format, it may appear as degrees and subdivisions, but the primary representation still focuses on those two significant digits for degrees. This standardization helps avoid confusion and allows for precise identification of locations on the globe.

Other formats, such as one digit or three digits, do not adequately represent the full range of possible latitudes or serve the same functional purpose in navigation and mapping. For example, one digit would not encompass the entirety of the latitude spectrum, while three digits might be misleading given the maximum of 90 degrees achievable. Thus, the appropriate expression of latitude relies consistently on the two-digit format.