RADIANS Function (LibreOffice Calc)
The RADIANS function in LibreOffice Calc converts an angle measured in degrees into radians. It is essential for trigonometry, geometry, engineering, and any calculation involving angle conversions.
Compatibility
▾| Excel | ✔ |
| Gnumeric | ✔ |
| Google_sheets | ✔ |
| Libreoffice | ✔ |
| Numbers | ✔ |
| Onlyoffice | ✔ |
| Openoffice | ✔ |
| Wps | ✔ |
| Zoho | ✔ |
What the RADIANS Function Does â–¾
- Converts degrees → radians
- Uses the formula:
radians = degrees × π / 180 - Works with numeric values and cell references
- Ensures trigonometric functions receive correct units
It is designed to be simple, precise, and universally compatible.
Syntax â–¾
RADIANS(number)
Arguments
- number:
An angle in degrees.
Basic Examples â–¾
Convert 180 degrees to radians
=RADIANS(180)
Returns 3.141592654.
Convert 90 degrees to radians
=RADIANS(90)
Returns 1.570796327.
Convert a cell value from degrees to radians
=RADIANS(A1)
Convert 1 degree to radians
=RADIANS(1)
Returns approximately 0.017453293.
Advanced Examples â–¾
Manual conversion using PI()
=A1 * PI() / 180
Equivalent to RADIANS(A1).
Convert angle for SIN, COS, TAN
=SIN(RADIANS(A1))
Ensures correct trigonometric input.
Convert degrees for ATAN2 output
=RADIANS(A1)
Useful when converting directional angles.
Convert degrees for rotation matrices
=COS(RADIANS(A1))
Used in geometry and 2D/3D transformations.
Convert degrees for engineering formulas
=TAN(RADIANS(A1))
Used in slope, force, and vector calculations.
Convert degrees for navigation headings
=RADIANS(A1)
Ensures consistent radian-based calculations.
Common Errors and Fixes â–¾
RADIANS returns Err:502
Occurs when:
- number is text
- number cannot be coerced to a numeric value
- parentheses are missing
RADIANS returns unexpected results
Cause:
- Input is already in radians
- Input is negative or > 360 (still valid but may be unexpected)
- Input is formatted strangely (e.g., text with degree symbol)
RADIANS returns 0
Possible causes:
- Input is extremely small
- Cell formatting hides decimals
Best Practices â–¾
- Use RADIANS whenever trigonometric functions expect radian input
- Use DEGREES when converting radian outputs to degrees
- Always confirm whether your formula expects degrees or radians
- Use PI() for precise manual conversions
- Avoid mixing degree and radian units in the same expression
Related Patterns and Alternatives â–¾
- Use DEGREES to convert radians → degrees
- Use PI() for manual conversions
- Use SIN, COS, TAN for trigonometric calculations
- Use ATAN2 for directional angles
- Use A1 * PI() / 180 for manual conversion
By mastering RADIANS and its companion functions, you can build precise trigonometric and geometric models in LibreOffice Calc that handle angle conversions cleanly and accurately.