What are the four main points on a compass called?

• A. Intercardinal Points
• B. Magnetic Points
• C. Cardinal Points
• D. Cardinal Directions

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is about the primary reference directions used on a compass. The four directions North, East, South, and West form the basic framework scientists and navigators use to map and locate things. These are known as cardinal directions, or cardinal points, because they are the principal directions from which all other compass directions are measured. The terms intercardinal points refer to the four diagonal directions (Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest) that sit between the cardinal ones, so they’re not the four main points themselves. Magnetic points isn’t a standard way to name these directions, since magnetism shifts reference slightly but the basic four are the cardinal directions, i.e., cardinal points.