This article describes the formula syntax and usage of the COS function in Microsoft Excel.
Description
Returns the cosine of the given angle.
Syntax
COS(number)
The COS function syntax has the following arguments:
-
Number Required. The angle in radians for which you want the cosine.
Remark
The angle must be specified in radians. To convert from degrees to radians, you can use the RADIANS function or simply multiply the angle by PI()/180. Examples of these conversion methods are shown below.
Example
Copy the example data in the following table then paste it into cell A1 of a new Excel worksheet. If the results of the formula are not automatically displayed, select it then press F2 and press Enter. You may need to adjust the column widths to see all the data.
|
Formula |
Description |
Result |
|---|---|---|
|
=COS(1.047) |
Cosine of 1.047 radians |
0.5001711 |
|
=COS(60*PI()/180) |
Cosine of 60 degrees |
0.5 |
|
=COS(RADIANS(60)) |
Cosine of 60 degrees |
0.5 |
