In this example we will use the grid reference SZ 408 805.

The two letters at the beginning - SZ - refer to which square in the national grid of squares you should be looking at. Once you've found the map which covers square SZ you can forget about the letters and concentrate on the numbers.

We now have 408 805. The first group of numbers - 408 - refers to how far east in square SZ the point is you are looking for. The first two digits of this group - in this case 40 - correspond to a number on the top or bottom margin of your map, and identifies a vertical line. Divide the distance between the vertical lines at 40 and 41 into 10 imaginary units. From left to right read off 8 of these. You have now found the (imaginary) vertical line 408 (which is called the 'easting.')

The second group of number - 805 - refers to how far North in square SZ the point is you are looking for. The first two digits of this group - in this case 80 - corresponds to a number on the left or right margin of your map, and identifies a horizontal line. Divide the distance between the horizontal lines 80 and 81 into 10 imaginary units. From bottom to top read off 5 of these. You have now found the (imaginary) horizontal line 805 (which is called the 'northing.') The point where the 408 and 805 lines cross is the point which you are looking for.

You can visit the Ordnance Survey web site for an interactive demonstration of how to read a grid reference or download a PDF file showing you how.

Articles List

Why Conserve?
Why Volunteer?
Am I Allowed to Volunteer?
Be Prepared for Working Outside
How to Read a Grid Reference
The Conservation Year

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