How to Graph Polar Coordinates in Excel

 Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
Article ID: Q67096
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.x, 4.0, 5.0
  • Microsoft Excel for OS/2, versions 2.2, 2.21, 3.0
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0

SUMMARY

To graph polar coordinates in Microsoft Excel, you must convert the coordinates to X and Y values and create the chart using the new values.

MORE INFORMATION

Polar coordinates consist of two values, radius and theta. Theta is in radians. For example the point (1,pi/2) has a radius of 1 and a theta value of pi/2 (equals 90 degrees). To convert to the X and Y values, use the following formulas: 

   X=r*cos(theta)
   Y=r*sin(theta)

Example

Let's say you have two sets of polar coordinates that you would like to plot in Microsoft Excel. The coordinates are (1,pi/2) and (2,pi). Your data is entered as follows: 

        A1: Radius      B1: Theta
        A2: 1           B2: =PI()/2
        A3: 2           B3: =PI()
To plot these, enter the following conversion formulas: 

        C1: X-Value     D1: Y-Value
        C2: =A2*COS(B2) D2: =A2*SIN(B2)
        C3: =A3*COS(B3) D3: =A3*SIN(B3)
Evaluating these formulas returns the correct X and Y coordinates for the corresponding polar coordinates: 

     (1,pi/2) converts to (0,1)
     (2,pi)   converts to (-2,0)
You can now use these X and Y coordinates to create a scatter chart.

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Additional reference words: 2.0 2.00 2.01 2.1 2.10 2.2 2.20 2.21 3.0 3.00
4.0 4.00 5.00

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Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
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