Purpose
Return value
Syntax
=ASIN(number)- number - The value to get the inverse sine of. The number must be between -1 and 1 inclusive.
Using the ASIN function
The ASIN function, also called arc-sine, returns the inverse sine of a value. The input number must be between -1 and 1, inclusive. Geometrically, given the ratio of a triangle's opposite side over its hypotenuse, the function returns the angle of the triangle. For example, given a ratio of 0.5 the function returns the angle of 0.524 radians.
=ASIN(0.5) // Returns 0.524 radians
Convert Result to Degrees
To convert the result from radians to degrees, multiply the result by 180/PI() or use the DEGREES function. For example, to convert the result of ASIN(0.5) to degrees, you can use either formula below:
=ASIN(0.5)*180/PI() // Returns 30 degrees
=DEGREES(ASIN(0.5)) // Returns 30 degrees
Explanation
The graph of ASIN visualizes the output of the function from -1 to 1. ASIN is the inverse of SIN. However, because SIN is a periodic function, the output of ASIN is limited to the range from -π/2 to π/2.
Notes
- ASIN is the inverse of SIN
- To convert the result from radians to degrees multiply by 180/PI() or use the DEGREES function.
Graph courtesy of wumbo.net
Related functions
SIN Function
The Excel SIN function returns the sine of an angle given in radians. To supply an angle to SIN in degrees, multiply the angle by PI()/180 or use the RADIANS function to convert to radians.
ACOS Function
The ACOS function returns the inverse cosine of a number. The function is the inverse of COS and expects input in the range from -1 to 1.
ATAN Function
The Excel ATAN function returns the inverse tangent of a number. The function is the inverse of TAN.
