Accepting 3 word addresses from your customers is easy.
Our API converts 3 word addresses to GPS coordinates and vice versa.
what3words Public API
Features
Easy to integrate
We offer a variety of libraries, including Java, JavaScript, Swift, Python, Node.js, PHP and more
AutoSuggest
what3words AutoSuggest prompts users with intelligent suggestions when a 3 word address is entered by voice or text.
Customisable
It’s simple to customise our API features for your business. You can limit the AutoSuggest results to just one country and prioritise based on the user’s location.
Built for voice
Our API is simple to integrate with speech recognition software to translate spoken 3 word addresses into GPS coordinates.
40+ languages
Access all what3words languages, including Spanish, French, Arabic and Chinese.
Need more power?
Our API is online only. If you’re looking for faster conversions and reduced latency, we provide an Enterprise Suite of products, which includes an API Server and Mobile SDKs for offline use of what3words on iOS and Android.
Join thousands of businesses integrating what3words
Ride hailing
Smoother journeys and faster drop-offs
E-commerce
Improve your customer experience today
Logistics
Last mile deliveries with precision
What people are saying
FAQS
Does the what3words API convert street addresses into accurate 3 word addresses?
If you take a street address, convert it into GPS coordinates and then translate those coordinates into a 3 word address with the what3words API, you will receive an inaccurate 3 word address. This is because a street address does not point to an exact location. Its pin may display in the middle of a building rather than at its particular entrance.
Tip: Ask your customers to provide their 3 word address so that you can be sure your couriers route to their exact 3m x 3m entrance.
Can I convert 3 word addresses into traditional street addresses?
The what3words API only enables you to convert 3 word addresses to GPS coordinates and vice versa. You cannot convert 3 word addresses into street addresses.
It’s important to use the coordinates of the 3 word address that a customer provides, rather than turn it into a traditional street address . This retains the accuracy of the 3m x 3m square.
Tip: Our API can provide extra information to give location context for a 3 word address. For example, when someone enters ‘filled.count.soap’, the API will display ///filled.count.soap, Bayswater, London.
Does the what3words API provide online or offline maps, navigation or route optimisation?
The what3words API enables the translation of 3 word addresses to GPS coordinates. It does not provide map or routing data. The API provides a layer that can be used with any mapping software, meaning it can work perfectly as part of your existing mapping, addressing and route optimisation solutions.
Is POI data provided with the what3words API?
Our API returns GPS coordinates when a 3 word address is entered. It does not provide additional information about buildings, addresses or points of interest nearby.
Does the what3words API provide speech recognition technology?
Our API is designed to work with the speech recognition technology of your current voice supplier. If your voice supplier needs help recognising 3 word addresses, don’t hesitate to get in touch
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