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SIN Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The Excel SIN function calculates the sine of a specified angle provided in radians. This trigonometric function is essential for mathematical computations, physics calculations, and waveform analysis in spreadsheets.

Syntax

SIN(number)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
number	`Number`	Yes	Angle value in radians. To convert degrees to radians, multiply by PI()/180 or use RADIANS function.

Using the SIN Function

SIN is a fundamental trigonometric function used to compute sine values for angles given in radians. It's commonly applied in scientific calculations, engineering formulas, signal processing, and geometric computations within Excel worksheets.

Common SIN Examples

Sine of Pi Radians

=SIN(PI())

Calculates sine of π radians (180°), which equals approximately 0.

Sine of Pi/2 Radians

=SIN(PI()/2)

Sine of π/2 radians (90°), resulting in exactly 1.

Convert Degrees to Radians (Manual)

=SIN(30*PI()/180)

Sine of 30 degrees converted to radians, returns 0.5.

Using RADIANS Function

=SIN(RADIANS(30))

Sine of 30 degrees using the RADIANS helper function, returns 0.5.

Frequently Asked Questions

SIN requires angles in radians. Use PI()/180 multiplication or RADIANS() function for degree conversion.

SIN returns values from -1 to 1, representing the full range of sine function outputs.

Yes, negative angles work correctly, producing corresponding negative sine values.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! error

Cause: Non-numeric input provided

Solution: Ensure the number argument contains valid numeric data

Incorrect results from degrees

Cause: Using degree values without conversion

Solution: Convert degrees using RADIANS(degrees) or degrees*PI()/180

Notes

Sine values cycle every 2π radians
Commonly paired with COS and TAN functions
To convert back to degrees, use DEGREES(SIN(value)) * (180/PI())
Array-friendly: applies to ranges automatically

Compatibility

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

Not available in:

Content last reviewed: December 11, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+