Overview
What3Words divides the world into 3m x 3m squares and assigns each a unique three-word address, making precise location sharing simple and memorable. The API converts between three-word addresses and GPS coordinates in both directions. It is popular for delivery apps, emergency services, and any scenario where exact location matters.
Beginner Tip
Use the /convert-to-coordinates endpoint to turn a three-word address into lat/lng, or /convert-to-3wa to go the other direction. Always pass your API key as the key query parameter.
Available Data
The kind of data this API exposes, based on its documentation. We could not call the endpoint to confirm the exact field names.
Example Response
Illustrative shape only — we were not able to call this endpoint (it requires credentials or exposes no public sample URL), so the fields below show the kind of data this API returns rather than a recorded response.
{
"status": "success",
"data": {
"result": "Data from What3Words",
"description": "Three words as rememberable and unique coordinates worldwide",
"timestamp": "2025-01-15T10:00:00Z"
}
} Field Reference
words The three-word address in dot-separated format, e.g. filled.count.soap. coordinates.lat Latitude of the center of the 3m x 3m square. coordinates.lng Longitude of the center of the 3m x 3m square. language Language code used for the three-word address. map URL to a What3Words map showing the exact location. square Bounding box coordinates of the 3m x 3m square (southwest and northeast corners). Implementation Example
Calls a real endpoint of this API. Replace any placeholder credentials with your own key.
const url = "https://what3words.com/";
// Replace headers or query params with the values required by this API.
const response = await fetch(url, {
headers: {
"X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
}
});
if (!response.ok) throw new Error(`Request failed: ${response.status}`);
const data = await response.json();
console.log(data); What Can You Build?
Note: These code examples are AI-generated and unverified. Always refer to the official API documentation for accurate usage.
Common Errors & Troubleshooting
Generated guidance based on this API's documentation, not observed by us. Treat it as a starting point and check against the provider's own error reference.
Metadata Score Breakdown
Estimated from metadata — endpoint not independently tested
Metadata estimate · endpoint not independently tested
Technical Specifications
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