ACOS Formula

Returns the inverse cosine of a number, in radians.

Syntax

Formula structure

Source: Quadratic docs
=ACOS(number)
number
Required: Yes

Required argument used by the ACOS formula.

Examples for the acos formula

Copy these examples into a spreadsheet and adjust the ranges for your own data.

ACOS syntax pattern

=ACOS(number)

Use this ACOS pattern as the starting point for your spreadsheet formula.

ACOS in a worksheet

=ACOS(A2)

Returns the inverse cosine of a number, in radians.

When to use ACOS

Use ACOS when you need to return the inverse cosine of a number, in radians.

  • Convert and calculate angles.
  • Model geometry, waves, and other trigonometric relationships.

How ACOS works in Quadratic

In Quadratic, ACOS follows the syntax ACOS(number). The function works inside Quadratic formulas and can be combined with spreadsheet ranges, tables, and other formulas.

Common ACOS mistakes

Most ACOS issues come from mismatched argument types, ranges that do not cover the intended data, or optional parameters being omitted when the default behavior is not what you expected.

  • Check each required parameter before copying the formula across a sheet.
  • Confirm that ranges line up with the rows or columns you intend to analyze.
  • Use Quadratic AI to explain or debug the formula when the result looks wrong.

Related formulas

DEGREESRADIANSSINASIN

ACOS formula FAQ

What does the acos formula do?

ACOS returns the inverse cosine of a number, in radians.

What is the syntax for ACOS?

The syntax is ACOS(number). Required and optional parameters are listed at the top of this guide.

Can Quadratic AI help with ACOS?

Yes. Quadratic AI can write a ACOS formula, explain existing formula logic, or help debug broken references and unexpected results.

Quadratic AI

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Spreadsheet formulas are powerful, but they get painful fast. A ACOS formula can start simple, then turn into logic that is hard to understand, easy to break, and difficult to share with the rest of your team.

Quadratic AI helps you write formulas, explain formula logic, debug broken references, and move beyond formulas when advanced analysis needs Python, SQL, charts, or connected data.

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Why formulas slow teams down

  • Long formulas become hard to read, understand, and trust.
  • Formula logic breaks when rows, columns, or assumptions change.
  • Manual updates make dashboards and reports fragile over time.
  • Complex formulas are difficult to explain, review, and share with teammates.
  • Advanced analysis quickly outgrows formula-only workflows.