A radian is a unit of angular measure used in mathematics and is crucial for its ability to maintain consistency in trigonometric calculations. It is defined as the angle formed when the arc length equals the radius of the circle. Unlike degrees, radians offer a natural connection to the properties of a circle, as there are \(2\pi\) radians in a full circle, reflecting the direct relationship with the circle’s circumference. Interestingly, radians are dimensionless, meaning they have no physical dimension, which makes them an extremely versatile unit across different applications in physics and engineering.
Radian’s significance extends beyond just academic circles; it forms the backbone of much of modern technology. For example, the calculations performed by digital devices like smartphones and computers in graphic rendering and signal processing rely heavily on radian-based trigonometry. This seamless integration into practical technology underscores the profound yet often unnoticed role radians play in our digital world. By using radians, we achieve more efficient and accurate results, highlighting their indispensable nature in both theoretical and applied sciences.
A degree is a versatile unit used to measure angles, temperature, and even geographic coordinates. When it comes to angles, the degree’s origin traces back to ancient Babylon, where mathematicians used a base-60 number system. This influence is why there are 360 degrees in a circle—a number easily divisible into many integer parts, allowing for precise calculations.
In navigation and cartography, degrees are crucial for pinpointing locations on Earth’s surface through latitude and longitude. Notably, each degree of latitude encompasses about 111 kilometers on the planet’s surface. Meanwhile, in temperature measurement, degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius reveal a fascinating convergence: −40°F is equivalent to −40°C, a curiosity often unknown by many. These uses highlight the degree’s essential role across various fields of science and everyday life.
Radians | Degrees |
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0
rad
|
0
deg
|
0.1
rad
|
5.72958
deg
|
0.2
rad
|
11.45916
deg
|
0.3
rad
|
17.18873
deg
|
0.4
rad
|
22.91831
deg
|
0.5
rad
|
28.64789
deg
|
0.6
rad
|
34.37747
deg
|
0.7
rad
|
40.10705
deg
|
0.8
rad
|
45.83662
deg
|
0.9
rad
|
51.5662
deg
|
1
rad
|
57.29578
deg
|
1.1
rad
|
63.02536
deg
|
1.2
rad
|
68.75494
deg
|
1.3
rad
|
74.48451
deg
|
1.4
rad
|
80.21409
deg
|
1.5
rad
|
85.94367
deg
|
1.6
rad
|
91.67325
deg
|
1.7
rad
|
97.40283
deg
|
1.8
rad
|
103.1324
deg
|
1.9
rad
|
108.86198
deg
|
2
rad
|
114.59156
deg
|
2.1
rad
|
120.32114
deg
|
2.2
rad
|
126.05071
deg
|
2.3
rad
|
131.78029
deg
|
2.4
rad
|
137.50987
deg
|
2.5
rad
|
143.23945
deg
|
2.6
rad
|
148.96903
deg
|
2.7
rad
|
154.6986
deg
|
2.8
rad
|
160.42818
deg
|
2.9
rad
|
166.15776
deg
|
3
rad
|
171.88734
deg
|
3.1
rad
|
177.61692
deg
|
3.2
rad
|
183.34649
deg
|
3.3
rad
|
189.07607
deg
|
3.4
rad
|
194.80565
deg
|
3.5
rad
|
200.53523
deg
|
3.6
rad
|
206.26481
deg
|
3.7
rad
|
211.99438
deg
|
3.8
rad
|
217.72396
deg
|
3.9
rad
|
223.45354
deg
|
4
rad
|
229.18312
deg
|
4.1
rad
|
234.9127
deg
|
4.2
rad
|
240.64227
deg
|
4.3
rad
|
246.37185
deg
|
4.4
rad
|
252.10143
deg
|
4.5
rad
|
257.83101
deg
|
4.6
rad
|
263.56059
deg
|
4.7
rad
|
269.29016
deg
|
4.8
rad
|
275.01974
deg
|
4.9
rad
|
280.74932
deg
|
5
rad
|
286.4789
deg
|
5.1
rad
|
292.20848
deg
|
5.2
rad
|
297.93805
deg
|
5.3
rad
|
303.66763
deg
|
5.4
rad
|
309.39721
deg
|
5.5
rad
|
315.12679
deg
|
5.6
rad
|
320.85637
deg
|
5.7
rad
|
326.58594
deg
|
5.8
rad
|
332.31552
deg
|
5.9
rad
|
338.0451
deg
|
6
rad
|
343.77468
deg
|
6.1
rad
|
349.50426
deg
|
6.2
rad
|
355.23383
deg
|
Conversion | Call to Action |
---|---|
Radians to Gradians | Go to converter |
Radians to Arcminutes | Go to converter |
Radians to Arcseconds | Go to converter |