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DEGREES Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The Excel DEGREES function converts angles measured in radians to degrees, making it essential for trigonometric calculations and mathematical conversions within spreadsheets.

Syntax

DEGREES(angle)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
angle	`Number`	Yes	Numeric value representing the angle in radians

Using the DEGREES Function

DEGREES is invaluable when working with trigonometric functions that return radians (like ATAN, ACOS, ASIN) but you need results in the more familiar degree format. It's commonly used in engineering, physics, navigation, and any field requiring angle calculations.

Common DEGREES Examples

Convert PI Radians to Degrees

=DEGREES(PI())

Converts π radians (approximately 3.14159) to exactly 180 degrees.

Convert Trigonometric Result

=DEGREES(ATAN(1))

Converts the arctangent of 1 (π/4 radians) to 45 degrees.

Multiple Angle Conversion

=DEGREES(0.5)

Converts 0.5 radians to approximately 28.65 degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions

A numeric value representing radians. Can be a direct number, cell reference, or formula result.

Yes, negative radians convert to negative degrees correctly.

DEGREES converts radians → degrees, RADIANS does degrees → radians.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! error

Cause: Angle argument is text or non-numeric

Solution: Ensure angle contains only numbers

Unexpected results

Cause: Confusing radians with degrees input

Solution: Remember: input is ALWAYS radians

Notes

1 radian = 180/π degrees (approximately 57.3 degrees)
π radians = 180 degrees
Use with trig functions: ATAN, ACOS, ASIN return radians
Excel stores angles internally as radians for trig functions

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in:

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+