degrees() and radians() in Python

In geometry and trigonometry, we often switch between degrees and radians. Python’s math module provides two simple functions to handle these conversions:

• math.radians() – Converts degrees to radians
• math.degrees() – Converts radians to degrees

Let’s explore both with examples:

math.radians()

This function takes a degree value and returns its equivalent in radians.

Syntax

math.radians(x)

Parameters:

• x: Angle in degrees (float or int)

Returns: Angle in radians (float)

Example 1: Convert Degrees to Radians

import math

x = 180
print("Radians:", math.radians(x))

Radians: 3.141592653589793

Explanation: 180 degrees is exactly π radians.

Example 2: Convert 1 Degree and Fractional Degree

import math

a = 1
b = 180 / math.pi

print("1° in Radians:", math.radians(a))
print("180/π° in Radians:", math.radians(b))

1° in Radians: 0.017453292519943295
180/π° in Radians: 1.0

Explanation: 180/π degrees equals exactly 1 radian.

math.degrees()

This function takes a radian value and returns its equivalent in degrees.

Syntax

math.degrees(x)

Parameters:

• x: Angle in radians (float or int)

Returns: Angle in degrees (float)

Example 3: Convert Radians to Degrees

import math

x = math.pi
print("Degrees:", math.degrees(x))

Degrees: 180.0

Explanation: π radians is exactly 180 degrees.

Example 4: Convert 1 Radian and π/180 Radians

import math

a = 1
b = math.pi / 180

print("1 Radian in Degrees:", math.degrees(a))
print("π/180 Radians in Degrees:", math.degrees(b))

Explanation: 1 radian ≈ 57.3°, and π/180 radians equals 1 degree.

Applications

• Geometry and trigonometry problems
• Astronomical computations
• Graphing and simulations
• Rotational transformations in graphics

Related Articles:

• Python Math Module
• Python Tutorial