Why do bearings have 3 digits?

Answer 1

Bearings , when used in navigational terms ALWAYS have three digits.

North ; bearing 000

East ; bearing 090

South ; bearing 180

West ; bearing 270

NB Bearings go round the compas in a Clockwise direction only. They have three digits only to stop confusion. Because 90 degrees from north could be either East or West.

Answer 2

I was taught that they were used on boats so they put 045 to show that 45 degrees was the way, and a 0 so that a digit was not missed out. if they put 45 it couldve been 145 but they missed the 1.