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Qibla Direction Guide · California, USA

Qibla Direction in California

Find the direction of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah from California. The estimate below gives a statewide reference; your exact Qibla bearing depends on where you are in California.

22.4°From true north
NNENorth-northeast
13,317 kmApprox. great-circle distance

Important: These figures use California’s 2020 center of population as a representative point. California is large, so use a city-specific or current-location calculation for a more precise result.

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Qibla direction from California toward the Kaaba in Makkah

What Is the Qibla Direction from California?

The Qibla is the direction Muslims face during salah (prayer), toward the Kaaba in the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. From a representative point near California’s 2020 center of population, the calculated direction is approximately 22.4° clockwise from true north, toward the north-northeast (NNE).

This is a statewide reference, not a single exact direction for every address. California extends over a large area, from the north coast to the southern border, so the Qibla bearing changes slightly between places such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Jose, Fresno, and San Francisco.

For a result based on your actual city or coordinates, open the MeccaDirection Qibla Direction by City tool. It is not necessary to add another calculator to this page.

How to Find the Qibla in California

  1. Choose your location. Use your city or your exact latitude and longitude in a reliable Qibla finder.
  2. Read the bearing. The number is normally shown in degrees clockwise from true north.
  3. Use a compass carefully. A phone compass can be affected by magnets, metal, electronic equipment, and calibration.
  4. Understand north references. A geographic bearing uses true north. A magnetic compass may point differently because of local magnetic declination.
  5. Check locally if needed. If you are unsure, compare the result with a trusted local mosque or ask a knowledgeable person.
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Why the Qibla Direction Differs Across California

California is one of the largest states in the United States by area. A single statewide coordinate cannot represent every home, workplace, school, or mosque. The direction to the Kaaba is calculated from the latitude and longitude of the selected point, so the result changes as the location changes.

For example, a result calculated for Los Angeles should not be treated as the exact bearing for someone in Sacramento or San Francisco. City-level estimates are useful for general guidance, while your current coordinates can provide a more location-specific calculation.

The U.S. Census Bureau publishes California’s 2020 center-of-population coordinates. These are useful as a consistent reference point for this statewide estimate, but they are not the geographic centre of the state and do not represent every resident’s location.

Islamic Guidance About Facing the Qibla

The Qur’an instructs Muslims to turn their faces toward Al-Masjid al-Haram when praying. See Qur’an 2:144 for the relevant verse.

A narration in Sahih al-Bukhari 399 discusses the direction of prayer and the Qibla. Read religious texts in their full context and seek guidance from a qualified scholar or trusted local mosque for personal questions.

This page provides general directional information, not a religious ruling. If you have a specific question about prayer in unusual circumstances, consult a knowledgeable religious authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Qibla direction in California?

From a representative point near California’s 2020 center of population, the Qibla bearing is approximately 22.4° clockwise from true north, toward north-northeast. The exact bearing changes by location.

How far is the Kaaba from California?

Using California’s 2020 center-of-population coordinates as a reference, the great-circle distance to the Kaaba is approximately 13,317 kilometres. This is a statewide reference estimate, not the distance from every California city.

Does the Qibla direction change between California cities?

Yes. California is a large state, so the bearing and distance differ between cities and exact locations. Use your city or current coordinates for a more specific result.

Can I use my phone compass to find Qibla?

A phone compass can help, but sensor readings may be affected by metal, magnets, electronics, calibration, and the difference between magnetic north and true north. Check your device instructions and compare with a trusted local mosque if unsure.

How is the Qibla bearing calculated?

The bearing is calculated using spherical trigonometry to find the initial great-circle direction from the selected coordinates to the Kaaba in Makkah. The result is measured clockwise from true north.

What should I do if I am unsure about the direction?

Make a reasonable effort to determine the Qibla using reliable location information and a trusted tool. If you remain unsure, ask a knowledgeable person or a local mosque for guidance.

Calculation Details

The Qibla bearing is the initial great-circle bearing from the selected location to the Kaaba. The calculation uses spherical trigonometry and measures the direction clockwise from true north.

  • Reference location: California’s 2020 center of population.
  • Reference coordinates: approximately 35.4911° N, 119.3478° W.
  • Kaaba coordinates: approximately 21.422487° N, 39.826206° E.
  • Estimated initial bearing: 22.4° from true north (north-northeast).
  • Estimated great-circle distance: 13,317 km.

These values are rounded estimates based on the stated reference coordinates and a spherical Earth model. They should not be presented as exact readings for every location in California.

Sources and Further Reading

Last reviewed: October 16, 2026. Always use your selected location for a more specific bearing, and remember that compass hardware and magnetic north can affect practical readings.

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