ATAN2 Formula

Returns the counterclockwise angle, in radians, from the X axis to the point (x, y).

Syntax

Formula structure

Source: Quadratic docs
=ATAN2(x, y)
x
Required: Yes

Required argument used by the ATAN2 formula.

y
Required: Yes

Required argument used by the ATAN2 formula.

Examples for the atan2 formula

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

ATAN2 syntax pattern

=ATAN2(x, y)

Use this ATAN2 pattern as the starting point for your spreadsheet formula.

ATAN2 in a worksheet

=ATAN2(x, y)

Returns the counterclockwise angle, in radians, from the X axis to the point (x, y).

When to use ATAN2

Use ATAN2 when you need to return the counterclockwise angle, in radians, from the X axis to the point (x, y).

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

How ATAN2 works in Quadratic

In Quadratic, ATAN2 follows the syntax ATAN2(x, y). The function works inside Quadratic formulas and can be combined with spreadsheet ranges, tables, and other formulas.

Common ATAN2 mistakes

Most ATAN2 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

ATAN2 formula FAQ

What does the atan2 formula do?

ATAN2 returns the counterclockwise angle, in radians, from the X axis to the point (x, y).

What is the syntax for ATAN2?

The syntax is ATAN2(x, y). Required and optional parameters are listed at the top of this guide.

Can Quadratic AI help with ATAN2?

Yes. Quadratic AI can write a ATAN2 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 ATAN2 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.

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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.