The three bottom compasses are good baseplate compasses. Depending on the technical reference, these have an estimated accuracy of roughly +/- 2°; perhaps even more. The three compasses have degree increments of 2° labeled on the rotating dial.

Can compasses be wrong?

A compass is often regarded as a failsafe piece of kit. However, the presence of magnets in so much modern technology does render it liable to interference and even reversed polarity. Most climbers are aware how metal, such as an ice axe, can deflect the compass needle if held too close.

Does a compass really work?

Compasses work so effortlessly because their design allows the magnet to respond freely to Earth's magnetic field. Earth itself is like a giant magnet that creates its own magnetic field. The north end of a compass is drawn to align with Earth's magnetic North Pole. ... As it does so, the magnetic North Pole moves.