ATAN Formula

Returns the inverse tangent of a number, in radians.

Syntax

Formula structure

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

Required argument used by the ATAN formula.

Examples for the atan formula

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

ATAN syntax pattern

=ATAN(number)

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

ATAN in a worksheet

=ATAN(A2)

Returns the inverse tangent of a number, in radians.

When to use ATAN

Use ATAN when you need to return the inverse tangent of a number, in radians.

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

How ATAN works in Quadratic

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

Common ATAN mistakes

Most ATAN 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

ATAN formula FAQ

What does the atan formula do?

ATAN returns the inverse tangent of a number, in radians.

What is the syntax for ATAN?

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

Can Quadratic AI help with ATAN?

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

Quadratic AI

Struggling with formulas? Use Quadratic AI.

Spreadsheet formulas are powerful, but they get painful fast. A ATAN 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.