{"id":1322,"date":"2022-06-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/beginners-guide-to-grid-references\/"},"modified":"2025-11-05T10:22:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T10:22:16","slug":"beginners-guide-to-grid-references","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/beginners-guide-to-grid-references\/","title":{"rendered":"A Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Grid References"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<header id=\"block_f1b5b6cfe000bf8b64614dba1b5a4f70\" class=\"SingleHero skip-lazy radial\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"SingleHero__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/map-reading\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMap Reading\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/beginners-guides\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBeginner&#8217;s guides\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"SingleHero__title\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Grid References\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center align-items-center SingleHero__author\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Jonathan Elder\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"SingleHero__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPublished on \t\t\t\t\t\t<time datetime=\"2022-06-10T00:00:00+00:00\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">June 10, 2022<\/time>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t5 min read\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"SingleHero__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/grid_references_guide_hero.d635ad0f1f03d16ac80ae9884a3c9df0.jpg\" class=\"attachment-hd size-hd wp-post-image\" alt=\"grid_references_guide_hero.d635ad0f1f03d16ac80ae9884a3c9df0\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/grid_references_guide_hero.d635ad0f1f03d16ac80ae9884a3c9df0.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/grid_references_guide_hero.d635ad0f1f03d16ac80ae9884a3c9df0-300x91.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/grid_references_guide_hero.d635ad0f1f03d16ac80ae9884a3c9df0-1024x312.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/grid_references_guide_hero.d635ad0f1f03d16ac80ae9884a3c9df0-768x234.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/grid_references_guide_hero.d635ad0f1f03d16ac80ae9884a3c9df0-1536x468.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/grid_references_guide_hero.d635ad0f1f03d16ac80ae9884a3c9df0-1376x419.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<article id=\"block_cf3b10519a2e1a1a317cffdeb67552ee\" class=\"Universal Universal--post c-small default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerBlocks\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lead\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-grid-references\">What are Grid References?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Improve your <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/map-reading\/\">map reading skills<\/a> by understanding how to use and read a 4-figure, 6-figure or 8-figure national grid references. This grid reference finder is suitable for beginners and includes short &#8216;how-to&#8217; videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-finding-a-grid-reference-online\">Finding a Grid Reference Online<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The quickest way to find a grid reference of a location is to go to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/\">desktop version of OS Maps<\/a>. Now, right click on the location to drop a pin &nbsp;&#8211; it&#8217;s that simple! You should see two letters followed by two sets of five numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/os-maps-grid-reference-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16585\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/os-maps-grid-reference-1.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/os-maps-grid-reference-1-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/os-maps-grid-reference-1-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/os-maps-grid-reference-1-768x301.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">OS Maps showing a dropped pin with the grid reference SU 37290 15552<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re&nbsp;using the <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/apps\/os-maps\/os-maps-subscriptions\/\">OS Maps app<\/a> then you&#8217;ll need to tap and hold to drop a pin and find the grid reference. It will follow the same format as the above.&nbsp;The OS Maps app also has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk\/news\/major-new-safety-feature-in-os-maps-could-save-your-life\">Locate Me<\/a> to assist with finding a grid reference. Locate Me is a feature which turns your phone into a compass, allowing you to pinpoint your exact location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_a6fbe55fdacca20e7776cf630737675f\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--blue \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tFind a Grid Reference with OS Maps\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>Of course, we all know there&#8217;s nothing more reliable than a <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps\/paper-maps\/explorer-maps\/\">paper map<\/a> and compass when venturing into the hills. So, it&#8217;s important to know how to find your location (grid reference) on a paper map. This will allow you&nbsp;to let others (like Mountain Rescue) know where you are. To do this, you need to understand the National Grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_2b637a4aa6f56fb3a0068f2ef4dc252b\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps\/?_gl=1*1dhe2f0*_gcl_au*MTkxNzIwMzU2LjE3NTQ0MDAwNDQ.*_ga*MTU0NDY1NDEwLjE3NDg1MjAxNTg.*_ga_59ZBN7DVBG*czE3NTQzOTk5MDUkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTQ0MDAwNDQkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_E5T3PCFCG7*czE3NTQzOTk5MDUkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTQ0MDAwNDQkajYwJGwwJGgw\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tShop Paper Maps\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n<hr class=\"ad_hr\" role=\"none\">\r\n<div class=\"snippet_inline_obw\">\r\n    <div>\r\n        <h2>EXPLORE WALES WITH OUR NEW OS GUIDEBOOK<\/h2><h4>Plus get a FREE A4 Map of Eryri (limited offer!)<\/h4>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/books\/os-outstanding-walks-guidebook-series\/\" class=\"Button Button--red Button--smaller\"><span class=\"Button__text\">FIND OUT MORE<\/span><\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div>\r\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/new-1.png\" alt=\"OFFER: save 20\" height=\"250\" width=\"250\" \/>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<hr class=\"ad_hr\" role=\"none\">\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n .InnerBlocks .snippet_inline_obw h2 {\r\n    margin-top: 20px;\r\n    margin-bottom: 20px;\r\n}\r\n   \r\n.InnerBlocks .ad_hr {\r\n margin: 20px;\r\n border-color: #9f9f9f;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.snippet_inline_obw {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  flex-flow: row wrap;\r\n  background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.30) 40%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 50%), url(\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/conwy-mountain-bg.jpg\");\r\n  background-position: center center;\r\n  background-size:cover;\r\n  border-radius: 25px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.snippet_inline_obw  > div {\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  padding: 2% 8%;\r\n  color: #ffffff;\r\n  text-align: center;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.snippet_inline_obw  > div:nth-child(2) {\r\n  padding: 0;\r\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  align-self: center;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.snippet_inline_obw > div > img {\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  height: auto;\r\n  max-width: 250px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.snippet_inline_obw  h2 {\r\n  font-size: 3rem;\r\n  font-weight: 600;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.snippet_inline_obw  p {\r\n  font-size: 2rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.snippet_inline_obw  a {\r\n  font-size: 2rem;\r\n}\r\n    \r\n.Button--smaller {\r\n  padding: 8px 20px!important;\r\n}\r\n    \r\n.Button--smaller span {\r\n  font-size: 20px;\r\n}    \r\n\r\n\r\n@media (min-width:50em){\r\n\t\r\n  .snippet_inline_obw {\r\n\t  background-image: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.30) 40%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 50%), url(\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/conwy-mountain-bg.jpg\");\r\n  }\r\n  .snippet_inline_obw  > div {\r\n    width: 50%;\r\n    text-align: left;\r\n  }\r\n  .snippet_inline_obw  h2 {\r\n    font-size: 5rem;\r\n  }\r\n  .snippet_inline_obw  p {\r\n    font-size: 3rem;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-the-national-grid-eastings-and-northings\">Understanding the National Grid &#8211; Eastings and Northings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"images-with-captions\">\n    <div class=\"image-with-caption\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps\/paper-maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow,noopener noopener\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/Grid_references_guide_beginners.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"National Grid reference&nbsp;\">\n        <\/a>\n        <p>National Grid (Diagram A)<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You may have noticed that a series of blue grid lines cover <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OS maps<\/a>. These grid lines help you to pinpoint an exact location anywhere on the map. The horizontal lines are called <strong>eastings<\/strong>, as they increase in value as you travel east on the map. The vertical lines are called <strong>northings<\/strong>, as they increase in value as you travel north on the map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The National Grid links these lines and provides a unique reference system. This can be applied to all OS Maps of Great Britain, at all scales. Great Britain is covered by grid squares measuring 100 kilometres across and each grid square is identified by two letters, as shown in diagram A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"images-with-captions\">\n    <div class=\"image-with-caption\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps\/paper-maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow,noopener noopener\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/Grid_references_guide_DiagramB.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Eastings and Northings&nbsp;\">\n        <\/a>\n        <p>Map grid showing 10km grid squares within TL63 (Diagram B)<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>On <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps\/paper-maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OS maps,<\/a> these squares are further divided into smaller squares by grid lines representing 10 kilometre spacing. Each square is numbered from 0 to 9 from the south west corner, in an easterly (left to right) and northerly (upwards) direction. You can see this in diagram B.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using this eastings and northings system you can identify a 10 kilometre grid square. For example, the above image shows <strong>TL63<\/strong>. After the letters you can quote the eastings (6) first, then the northings (3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_0cbf1367b3f19e4d5fef3596ceaa7f41\" class=\"Inner InnerGoodToKnow\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row align-items-center jusitfy-content-start\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__icon \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g id=\"info-circle\">\n<path d=\"M15.9994 21.3333V16M15.9994 10.6666H16.0127M29.3327 16C29.3327 23.3638 23.3631 29.3333 15.9994 29.3333C8.63555 29.3333 2.66602 23.3638 2.66602 16C2.66602 8.63616 8.63555 2.66663 15.9994 2.66663C23.3631 2.66663 29.3327 8.63616 29.3327 16Z\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"2.664\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTop Tip\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you have trouble remembering the order, say &#8220;along the corridor, <strong>then<\/strong> up the stairs.&#8221;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<div class=\"images-with-captions\">\n    <div class=\"image-with-caption\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps\/paper-maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow,noopener noopener\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/Grid_references_guide_DiagramC.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Map grid showing 10km grid squares and TL63\">\n        <\/a>\n        <p>Map grid showing 10km grid squares and TL63 (Diagram C)<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>On an <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps\/paper-maps\/landranger-maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OS Landranger map<\/a> you can find the two main grid letters (in this case TL) on the legend or the corner squares of the map. The grid is further divided into 1 kilometre intervals, as shown in diagram C.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_78eb1277acc559bdd10df809bc9b3bec\" class=\"BigCommerce BigCommerce--no-products radial pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none     BigCommerce--slider \"  data-color-scheme=\"radial\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner\">\n\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png\" class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product-img\" alt=\"OS Guidebooks and Maps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png 393w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1-248x300.png 248w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__subheading\">\n\t\t\t\tEXPLORE THE\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"BigCommerceBanner__heading\">\n\t\t\t\tOS Shop\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__description\">\n\t\t\t\tWe are with you every step of the way.\u00a0Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks\u2028so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceProductsBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"Heading\">\n\n\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3\t\t\tclass=\"Heading__title h3\">\n\t\t\tShop OS Maps!\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\n\t\n    \n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper BigCommerceProductsSwiper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper Products\" data-products=\"2066,2067,2136\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-between align-items-center swiper-navigation\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center BigCommerce__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-you-use-grid-references-to-find-locations\">How Do You Use Grid References to Find Locations?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you haven&#8217;t got <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/apps\/os-maps\/os-maps-subscriptions\/\">OS Maps <\/a>or you&#8217;re using a paper map, it is easy to find a particular place using a grid reference. To start, a 4-figure grid reference is a handy way of identifying any square on a map. Grid references are easy &#8211; just remember that you always have to go <strong>along the corridor <\/strong>before you go <strong>up the stairs<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-figure-grid-references\">4-Figure Grid References<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>To find the number of a square, first use the eastings to go along the corridor until you come to the bottom left-hand corner of the square you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Write this two-figure number down. Then use the northing to go up the stairs until you find the same corner. Put this two\u2011figure number after your first one. You now have the 4-figure grid reference, which looks like the example in diagram D: 6233.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"images-with-captions\">\n    <div class=\"image-with-caption\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps\/paper-maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow,noopener noopener\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2023%20Blog\/grid-references-guide-diagramdnew.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"grid reference finder&nbsp;\">\n        <\/a>\n        <p>Finding grid square TL 6233 (Diagram D)<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-take-a-4-figure-grid-reference-with-steve-backshall\">How to Take a 4-Figure Grid Reference with Steve Backshall<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to take a 4-figure grid reference with Steve Backshall and Ordnance Survey\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/c0du8v4EE_Y?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https%253A%252F%252Fgetoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<hr class=\"ad_hr\" role=\"none\">\r\n<div class=\"home_hero_20_mix_match\">\r\n    <div>\r\n        <h2>NEW DOG FRIENDLY WALKING GUIDE BOOKS<\/h2><h4>A collection of brand new books from Ordnance Survey<\/h4>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/books\/os-short-walks-made-easy-guidebooks\/os-swme-dog-friendly-walks\/\" class=\"Button Button--red Button--smaller\"><span class=\"Button__text\">Shop Now<\/span><\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div>\r\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/swmedogs.png\" alt=\"OFFER: save 20\" height=\"250\" width=\"250\" \/>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<hr class=\"ad_hr\" role=\"none\">\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n .InnerBlocks .home_hero_20_mix_match h2 {\r\n    margin-top: 20px;\r\n    margin-bottom: 20px;\r\n}\r\n   \r\n.InnerBlocks .ad_hr {\r\n margin: 20px;\r\n border-color: #9f9f9f;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  flex-flow: row wrap;\r\n  background-image:  linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.30) 40%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 50%), url(\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dog-in-peak-district.jpg\");\r\n  background-position: center center;\r\n  background-size:cover;\r\n  border-radius: 25px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  > div {\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  padding: 2% 8%;\r\n  color: #ffffff;\r\n  text-align: center;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  > div:nth-child(2) {\r\n  padding: 0;\r\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  align-self: center;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match > div > img {\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  height: auto;\r\n  max-width: 250px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  h2 {\r\n  font-size: 3rem;\r\n  font-weight: 600;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  p {\r\n  font-size: 2rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  a {\r\n  font-size: 2rem;\r\n}\r\n    \r\n.Button--smaller {\r\n  padding: 8px 20px!important;\r\n}\r\n    \r\n.Button--smaller span {\r\n  font-size: 20px;\r\n}    \r\n\r\n\r\n@media (min-width:50em){\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match {\r\n    background-image:  linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.30) 40%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 50%), url(\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dog-in-peak-district.jpg\");\r\n  }\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match  > div {\r\n    width: 50%;\r\n    text-align: left;\r\n  }\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match  h2 {\r\n    font-size: 5rem;\r\n  }\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match  p {\r\n    font-size: 3rem;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-figure-grid-references\">6-figure Grid References<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to pinpoint an more exact place on a map, such as your house, you will need to use a six-figure grid reference. First find the four-figure grid reference for the square and write it down with a space after each set of numbers, like this: 62_ 33_<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now imagine dividing this square into 100 tiny squares, with 10 squares along each side. Still remembering to go along the corridor and up the stairs, work out the extra numbers you need and put them into your four-figure grid reference like this in diagram E: 625 333.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"images-with-captions\">\n    <div class=\"image-with-caption\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps\/paper-maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow,noopener noopener\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/Grid_references_guide_DiagramE.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Showing how to calculate a 6-figure Grid Reference\">\n        <\/a>\n        <p>How to calculate a 6-figure grid reference (Diagram E)<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_9e13cbacda120328755af27de2c970c8\" class=\"Inner InnerGoodToKnow\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row align-items-center jusitfy-content-start\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__icon \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g id=\"info-circle\">\n<path d=\"M15.9994 21.3333V16M15.9994 10.6666H16.0127M29.3327 16C29.3327 23.3638 23.3631 29.3333 15.9994 29.3333C8.63555 29.3333 2.66602 23.3638 2.66602 16C2.66602 8.63616 8.63555 2.66663 15.9994 2.66663C23.3631 2.66663 29.3327 8.63616 29.3327 16Z\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"2.664\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTop Tip\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When giving directions you can provide even more accuracy to your grid reference by stating a nearby landmark or feature. For example,\u00a0<strong><em>on the Bembridge OS Explorer map I am at grid reference SZ 644 874, at the crossroads<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-take-a-6-figure-grid-reference-with-steve-backshall\">How to Take a 6-Figure Grid Reference with Steve Backshall<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to take a 6-figure grid reference with Steve Backshall and Ordnance Survey\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/FXuo_ocVMVU?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https%253A%252F%252Fgetoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you found this grid reference finder useful! Put your new skills into practice and get out your <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps.html?cat%5B0%5D=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OS map<\/a> to have a go at finding a few grid references. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_a6fbe55fdacca20e7776cf630737675f\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--blue \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tFind a Grid Reference with OS Maps\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>Check out our Pathfinder guide titled <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/navigational-skills-for-walkers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Navigation Skills for Walkers<\/a> including map reading, and how to use a compass and GPS.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_19a39677056a1920c0d2352b189d0503\" class=\"BigCommerce BigCommerce--no-products default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none      \"  data-color-scheme=\"default\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner\">\n\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png\" class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product-img\" alt=\"OS Guidebooks and Maps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png 393w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1-248x300.png 248w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__subheading\">\n\t\t\t\tEXPLORE THE\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"BigCommerceBanner__heading\">\n\t\t\t\tOS Shop\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__description\">\n\t\t\t\tWe are with you every step of the way.\u00a0Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks\u2028so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" 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id=\"share-facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-89 238)\"><path d=\"M14.186,24V13.2h3.279L18,8.4H14.186V6.062c0-1.236.032-2.462,1.759-2.462h1.749V.168A19.34,19.34,0,0,0,14.671,0C11.5,0,9.508,1.989,9.508,5.64V8.4H6v4.8H9.508V24Z\" transform=\"translate(89 -238)\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div id=\"likeCount\" class=\"likeCount\">Liked by <span id=\"likeCountValue\">26<\/span> users<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<hr class=\"MetaShare__hr\" \/>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"MetaShareAuthor__name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Jonathan Elder\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Jonathan helps run the OS Shop and GetOutside, and in his free time can be found walking, playing computer games or, in the winter, falling off mountains with a plank of wood strapped to his feet.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Improve your map reading skills by learning how to read a 4-figure, 6-figure or 8-figure national grid reference. This grid reference finder is suitable for beginners and includes short &#8216;how to&#8217; videos.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":1321,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"activities":[44,36],"locations":[],"class_list":["post-1322","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","activities-beginners-guides","activities-map-reading"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Beginner&#039;s Guide to Using Grid References | OS GetOutside<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Master grid references with our guide and videos, with tips for reading 4-figure, 6-figure or 8-figure national grid references.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/beginners-guide-to-grid-references\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Beginner&#039;s guide to grid references | OS GetOutside\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Improve your map reading skills by learning how to read a 4-figure, 6-figure or 8-figure national grid reference. This grid reference finder is suitable for beginners and includes a short &#039;how to&#039; video.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/beginners-guide-to-grid-references\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"OS Maps Discover\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/osmapping\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-06-10T00:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-05T10:22:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/blobgetoutside5db8a681d3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/grid_references_guide_hero.d635ad0f1f03d16ac80ae9884a3c9df0.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"585\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"jonathan.elder@os.uk\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Beginner&#039;s guide to grid references | OS GetOutside\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Improve your map reading skills by learning how to read a 4-figure, 6-figure or 8-figure national grid reference. 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