Converts a point given as x and y coordinates into its polar form — a distance from the origin and an angle.
How it works
The distance is found with the Pythagorean theorem; the angle uses the two-argument arctangent so it lands in the correct quadrant even for negative x or y.
What this does not include
This does not include the reverse conversion, polar to rectangular — that uses cosine and sine instead of this square-root-and-arctangent approach.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the x and y coordinates.
Frequently asked questions
Why use atan2 instead of a plain arctangent?
A plain arctangent can’t tell which quadrant a point is in from the ratio alone — atan2 uses both x and y separately, so the angle always comes out correct.
What does r represent?
The straight-line distance from the origin (0, 0) to the point (x, y).
What angle range does θ fall in?
Between -180° and 180°, covering all four quadrants.
