Convert degree to radian
Please provide values below to convert degree [°] to radian [rad], or Convert radian to degree.
How to Convert Degree to Radian
1 ° = 0.0174532925199684 rad
Example: convert 15 ° to rad:
15 ° = 15 × 0.0174532925199684 rad = 0.261799387799526 rad
Degree to Radian Conversion Table
| degree | radian |
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Degree
A degree (symbol: °) is a unit of measurement for angles, representing 1/360th of a full circle.
History/Origin
The degree originated in ancient Babylonian astronomy, where the circle was divided into 360 parts, possibly due to the approximate number of days in a year. It has been used since antiquity for measuring angles and geographic coordinates.
Current Use
Degrees are widely used in geometry, navigation, engineering, and various sciences to measure angles, with applications in compass readings, trigonometry, and geographic positioning.
Radian
A radian is the standard unit of angular measure in mathematics, defined as the angle subtended at the center of a circle by an arc equal in length to the circle's radius.
History/Origin
The radian was introduced in the 19th century as a natural unit of angular measurement based on the properties of circles, providing a more mathematically convenient measure than degrees.
Current Use
Radians are widely used in mathematics, physics, and engineering for calculations involving angles, trigonometry, and periodic functions, serving as the standard angular unit in many scientific contexts.