How to Calculate Polar Coordinates
What is Polar Coordinates?
Polar coordinates represent a point by distance r from the origin and angle θ from the positive x-axis. Natural for circular and radial problems. x = r cos θ, y = r sin θ.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Cartesian to polar: r = √(x²+y²) · θ = atan2(y,x)
- 2Polar to Cartesian: x = r cos θ · y = r sin θ
Worked Examples
Input
Cartesian (3, 4)
Result
Polar (5, 53.13°)
r=√(9+16)=5; θ=atan2(4,3)=53.13°
Ready to calculate? Try the free Polar Coordinates Calculator
Try it yourself →