To calculate the inverse tangent (arctan) in Excel, you can use the ATAN function. This function returns the arctan of a number in radians. If you’d prefer to have the result in degrees, you can combine it with the DEGREES function to make the conversion.

Here’s a straightforward way to get the result you need:

Calculating Arctan in Radians

The simplest approach is to use the ATAN function. The syntax is:

=ATAN(number)

For instance, if you want to calculate the arctan of 1, just enter this formula into a cell:

=ATAN(1)

This will return 0.7854, which is π/4 radians, the inverse tangent of 1.

Converting to Degrees

Most people find working with degrees more intuitive than radians. To convert the result from radians to degrees, use the `DEGREES` function. The formula looks like this:

=DEGREES(ATAN(number))

For example, if you want the arctan of 1 in degrees:

=DEGREES(ATAN(1))

This will return 45, which makes sense since the arctan of 1 corresponds to a 45-degree angle.

If you’re working with slopes, say you have the slope (tangent of an angle) in cell A1, you can calculate the angle in degrees like this:

=DEGREES(ATAN(A1))

This formula will return the angle for the slope you’re working with, making it easy to analyze or visualize slope data in Excel.

The ATAN function works for a single number and gives a result between -π/2 and π/2 radians (or -90° to 90° in degrees). If you’re dealing with two values, like a rise over run (y/x), and want to consider the correct quadrant, use the ATAN2 function:

=DEGREES(ATAN2(y, x))

This will give you the correct angle based on the signs of both y and x, ensuring the angle falls in the appropriate quadrant.

Using these functions, Excel can handle your trigonometric calculations, making it an effective tool for math and engineering tasks.

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