The TAN() function returns the tangent of a given angle. It's a fundamental trigonometric function that calculates the ratio of the length of the side that is opposite the angle to the length of the side that is adjacent to the angle in a right-angled triangle, mathematically expressed as TAN(x) = opposite / adjacent = SIN(x) / COS(x). In a unit circle, it represents the ratio of the y-coordinate to the x-coordinate of a point.
This function can be useful to measure the rate of change between consecutive periods in a rolling trend analysis.
Syntax
TAN(Angle)
Arguments
| Argument | Data type | Description |
| Angle | Number | The angle in radians for which you want to calculate the tangent. Use the |
The TAN() function returns a numeric value. But, it becomes undefined at odd multiples of π/2, such as ±π/2, ±3π/2, and others, where the function approaches infinity.
Calculation engine functionality differences
This function is only available in the Polaris Calculation Engine.
Syntax example
TAN(PI() / 4)
Additional information
Returns NaN when Angle is NaN.
Excel equivalent
Examples
| Formula | Result |
TAN(0.785) | 0.9992 |
TAN(45 * PI() / 180) | 1 |
TAN(TORADIANS(45)) | 1 |
Example 1: Sales pipeline conversion rate slope analysis
Example 2: Portfolio risk gradient assessment
Example 3: Warehouse ramp gradient compliance analysis
Example 4: Employee salary progression gradient modeling
