Intermediate
10 min read
Updated 21/09/2026
Using Degrees Instead of Radians in Excel
Learn how to convert between radians and degrees in Excel and use trigonometric functions with degree measurements for your calculations.
In this tutorial:
- Converting between degrees and radians
- Using trigonometric functions with degrees
- Common angle calculations
- Creating custom functions
You'll need:
- Excel (any version)
- Basic math knowledge
- Understanding of angles
Using Degrees Instead of Radians in Excel
Basic Conversion Functions
Essential Conversion Formulas
Radians to Degrees
=DEGREES(angle_in_radians)
Example: =DEGREES(PI()) returns 180
Degrees to Radians
=RADIANS(angle_in_degrees)
Example: =RADIANS(180) returns π
Using Trigonometric Functions with Degrees
Common Trig Functions
| Function | Formula with Degrees | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sine | =SIN(RADIANS(angle)) | =SIN(RADIANS(90)) returns 1 |
| Cosine | =COS(RADIANS(angle)) | =COS(RADIANS(180)) returns -1 |
| Tangent | =TAN(RADIANS(angle)) | =TAN(RADIANS(45)) returns 1 |
Inverse Trig Functions
| Function | Formula | Returns Degrees |
|---|---|---|
| Arcsine | =DEGREES(ASIN(value)) | =DEGREES(ASIN(1)) returns 90 |
| Arccosine | =DEGREES(ACOS(value)) | =DEGREES(ACOS(0)) returns 90 |
| Arctangent | =DEGREES(ATAN(value)) | =DEGREES(ATAN(1)) returns 45 |
Creating Custom Functions
VBA Custom Functions
Function SinDegrees(degrees As Double) As Double
SinDegrees = Sin(WorksheetFunction.Radians(degrees))
End Function
Function CosDegrees(degrees As Double) As Double
CosDegrees = Cos(WorksheetFunction.Radians(degrees))
End Function
Function TanDegrees(degrees As Double) As Double
TanDegrees = Tan(WorksheetFunction.Radians(degrees))
End Function
Common Applications
Engineering Calculations
Slope Calculation
Angle from horizontal: =DEGREES(ATAN2(run,rise))
Slope length from horizontal distance: =distance/COS(RADIANS(angle))
Navigation
Bearing Calculations
Convert clockwise compass bearing to mathematical angle: =MOD(90-bearing,360)
Direction counterclockwise from x-axis: =DEGREES(ATAN2(x2-x1,y2-y1))
Excel's ATAN2 order is x-coordinate, then y-coordinate. A compass bearing from north requires a separate coordinate convention and conversion.
Pro Tips
Best Practices:
- Document your angle conventions
- Use named ranges for common angles
- Add input validation for angle ranges
Common Pitfalls:
- Mixing degrees and radians
- Forgetting to convert back to degrees
- Not handling negative angles correctly