CSC Function

Excel 2013+

Summary

The Excel CSC function calculates the cosecant of an angle provided in radians. As the reciprocal of the sine function, CSC is essential for trigonometric calculations in engineering, physics, and advanced mathematical analysis within spreadsheets.

Syntax

CSC(number)

Parameters

Parameter Type Required Description
number Number Yes The angle in radians. Must be numeric with absolute value less than 2^27

Using the CSC Function

Use CSC when you need cosecant values for trigonometric computations, waveform analysis, or mathematical modeling. Enter the angle directly in radians or reference cells containing radian measurements.

Common CSC Examples

Basic Cosecant Calculation

=CSC(15)

Returns approximately 1.538, the cosecant of 15 radians.

Cell Reference Usage

=CSC(A1)

Calculates cosecant using angle value in cell A1.

Combined with Other Functions

=CSC(PI()/2)

Returns 1, since cosecant of π/2 radians equals 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

CSC returns #NUM! error when absolute value exceeds 2^27.

No, CSC requires radians. Convert degrees using RADIANS() function.

CSC(number) = 1/SIN(number).

Common Errors and Solutions

#NUM!

Cause: Number absolute value ≥ 2^27

Solution: Ensure input stays within valid range (-2^27 to 2^27)

#VALUE!

Cause: Non-numeric input

Solution: Verify input contains valid number or reference numeric cell

Notes

  • CSC(n) mathematically equals 1/SIN(n)
  • Most useful for angles where sin approaches zero (csc → ∞)
  • Combine with PI(), RADIANS(), DEGREES() for versatile angle handling

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in: Excel 2010 and earlier

Content last reviewed: December 11, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2013+