Coordinate conversion

[CCWeedcontrol]

So i was given a excel. xls table with Lat and Long of decimal degrees minutes and i need to import it into ArcMap. I am needing to convert them to decimal degrees in order to import it into ArcMap. How can i convert this table the entire table to decimal degrees. I tried using the Add XY Data but when i select the file nothing happens, do i also need to convert the table certain format before add it to arcmap?  Can this be done through arcmap or field calculator? I would appreciate any help.

 The table is populated as following

Long	Lat
-116 37.863	43 41.353

[DanPatterson_Retired]

are the entries really formatted with a space separating the degree portion from the decimal minutes?

[CCWeedcontrol]

Yes there is a space.

[AbdullahAnter · Accepted solution]

It is popular question here, use Convert Coordinate Notation—Help | ArcGIS Desktop  

[CCWeedcontrol]

Aww sweet tool it took the table and converted it correctly, it worked with space separating the degree!

FID	Shape	Long	Lat	DDLat	DDLon
0	Point	-116 37.863	43 41.353	43.68922	-116.63105

[DanPatterson_Retired]

Yes, or just in the field calculator for future reference

def ddm_ddd(a, sep=" "):
    """ convert decimal minute string to decimal degrees
    : a - degree, decimal minute string
    : sep - usually a space, but check
    """
    import math  # if not already imported or available
    d, m = [abs(float(i)) for i in a.split(sep)]
    sign = [-1, 1][d < 0]
    dd = sign*(d + m/60.)
    return dd

# useage in field calculator, python parser to calculate into a double field
# for the expression box...
# ddm_ddd(!YourField!, sep=" ")‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

[CCWeedcontrol]

Dan, Thanks for the field calculator formula.