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Quick Answer

SIN Function

Returns the sine of an angle given in radians.

✓ Excel✓ Google SheetsExcel All versions

Syntax

SIN
(number)

Parameters

ParameterDescriptionRequired
numberThe angle, in radians, for which you want the sine.Required

Basic Example

Sine of 30 degrees

=SIN(RADIANS(30))
Result0.5

RADIANS(30) converts to π/6; the sine of π/6 is 0.5.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Sine of π/2

Quarter turn.

Use PI()/2.

=SIN(PI()/2)
Result: 1
The sine of π/2 radians (90°) is 1.

Example 2: Sine of 0

Baseline check.

Sine of zero radians.

=SIN(0)
Result: 0
The sine of 0 is 0.

How SIN Works

SIN computes the sine of an angle measured in radians. The function is periodic with period 2π, so SIN(x) = SIN(x + 2πk) for any integer k.

1
Convert if needed
If your angle is in degrees, wrap it with RADIANS().
2
Enter the formula
Type =SIN(number) with the angle in radians.
3
Press Enter
The sine value appears.

Important Notes & Limitations

  • The angle must be in radians; degrees must be converted with RADIANS or PI()/180.

  • Results are approximate due to floating-point math.

  • SIN cannot directly take degrees.

Common Errors & Fixes

Unexpected valueAngle supplied in degrees instead of radians.

Fix: Wrap the angle in RADIANS() or multiply by PI()/180.

#VALUE!Non-numeric argument.

Fix: Supply a numeric angle.

Download Practice File

Practice SIN with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the SIN function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Frequently Asked Questions

My SIN gives wrong values — why?
Most likely you passed degrees. Convert with RADIANS() first, e.g. =SIN(RADIANS(30)).
What is the period of SIN?
2π radians; SIN repeats every 2π.
How do I get the inverse (angle from sine)?
Use ASIN, which returns the angle in radians.