Excel 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