Excel 2007 COS Function

Excel's list of functions includes a number of the most common trig functions. These include the COS function which gives you the cosine of an angle measured in radians.

Note: Since most angles are measured in degrees, you might need to convert your data to radians using the RADIANS function.

The syntax for the COS function is:

= COS ( Number )

Number - the angle in radians being calculated.

Example Using Excel's COS Function:

Note: For help with this example, see the image to the right.

1. Enter the following data into cell D1: 0.593412
   
   
2. Click on cell E1 in the spreadsheet - this is where the function will be located.
   
   
3. Click on the Formulas tab of the ribbon menu.
   
   
4. Choose Math & Trig from the ribbon to open the function drop down list.
   
   
5. Click on COS in the list to bring up the function's dialog box.
   
   
6. In the dialog box, click on the Number line.
   
   
7. Click on cell D1 in the spreadsheet.
   
   
8. Click OK.
   
   
9. The answer 0.829038 should appear in cell E1.
   
   
10. When you click on cell E1 the complete function = COS ( D1 ) appears in the formula bar above the worksheet.

• Excel 2007 SIN Function
• Excel 2007 TAN Function
• Excel 2007 RADIANS Function