Syntax
COS(number)
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| number | Parameter of the COS function. |
Examples
Cosine of 0
Formula
=COS(0)
Returns 1. The cosine of 0 radians (0°) is 1. Cosine starts at its maximum value.
Cosine of 60 degrees
Formula
=COS(RADIANS(60))
Returns 0.5. The cosine of 60° is exactly 0.5.
Horizontal force component
Formula
=100*COS(RADIANS(30))
Returns ~86.6. A 100-newton force at 30° from horizontal has a horizontal component of 100×cos(30°) ≈ 86.6 newtons.
Common Errors
#VALUE!
Non-numeric arguments return #VALUE!. The input must be a number in radians.
Tips
Force decomposition
In physics, the horizontal component of a force at angle θ is F×COS(θ). The vertical component is F×SIN(θ).
SIN and COS relationship
COS(x) = SIN(x + π/2). They're the same wave shifted by 90°. Also, SIN²(x) + COS²(x) = 1 always.
Radians, not degrees
Like SIN, COS requires radians. COS(180) is NOT -1 (that's 180 radians). Use =COS(RADIANS(180)) to get -1.
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