How to Use the SIN Function in Excel – 6 Examples

This is an overview.
sin function overview

 


SIN Function in Excel

  • Function Objective:

The SIN function is used to determine the sine of angles in Excel.

  • Syntax:

=SIN(number)

  • Arguments Explanation:
Argument Required/Optional Explanation
number Required  Angle in radians to calculate the sine of the given angle.
  • Return Parameter:

Sine value of the given angles.


What is the Sine in Trigonometry?

The Sine ratio in trigonometry is a ratio between the hypotenuse and the opposite of a triangle.

sin(a)=Hypotenuse/Opposite


Example 1 – Using the SIN Function for Angles in Radians

Steps:

  • Select C5 to store the result.
  • Enter the formula:
    =SIN(B6)
  • Press ENTER.
  • Drag down the Fill Handle to see the result in the rest of the cells.

This is the output.

Use SIN Function in Excel for Angles in Radians

The sine of the given angles is displayed in long fraction values.

To trim the long numbers, use the ROUND function.

Steps:

  • Select C5 to store the result.
  • Enter the formula:
=ROUND(C5,2)
  • Press ENTER.
  • Drag down the Fill Handle to see the result in the rest of the cells.

This is the output.


Example 2 – Applying the SIN Function for Angles in Degrees

Steps:

  • Select C5 to store the result.
  • Enter the following formula in C5:
    =SIN(RADIANS(B5))
  • Press ENTER.
  • Drag down the Fill Handle to see the result in the rest of the cells.

This is the output.

Use SIN Function in Excel for Angles in Degrees


Example 3 – Combining the SIN and the PI Functions for Angles in Degrees

Steps:

  • Select C5 to store the result.
  • Enter the following formula in C5:

=SIN(B5*PI()/180)

within the cell.

  • Press ENTER.
  • Drag down the Fill Handle to see the result in the rest of the cells.

This is the output.

Use SIN Function with PI Function in Excel for Angles in Degrees

The sine of the given angles is displayed in long fraction values.

To trim the long numbers, use the ROUND function.

Steps:

  • Select C5 to store the result.
  • Enter the formula:

=ROUND(C5,2)

within the cell.

  • Press ENTER.
  • Drag down the Fill Handle to see the result in the rest of the cells.

This is the output.


Example 4 – Calculating the Height of a Building Using the Excel SIN Function

The height of a building produced a shadow of 50m. The imaginary connection line between the height of the building and the shadow produced an angle of 0.5 rad. To calculate the height of the building:

 Steps:

  • Select cell C7 to store the result.
  • Enter the formula:
    =C5*SIN(0.5)
    within the cell.
  • Press ENTER.

The height of the building is 23.97m.


Example 5 – Solving an Equation with the SIN Function in Excel

sin^2A+Cos^2A=1
  • Enter all the formulas as depicted below:

Solve Equation with SIN Function

This is the output.


Example 6 – Applying the SIN Function in Excel VBA Macros 

  • Press ALT + F11 to open the VBA editor.
  • Go to Insert ▶ Module.
  • Copy the following code:
Sub CalSin()

Dim sin_val1 As Double

Dim sin_val2 As Double

Dim sin_val3 As Double

sin_val1 = Sin(90)

Cells(5, 3).Value = sin_val1

sin_val2 = Sin(45)

Cells(6, 3).Value = sin_val2

sin_val3 = Sin(0)

Cells(7, 3).Value = sin_val3

End Sub

SIN Function Using VBA

  • Save the code.
  • Go back to your Excel worksheet.
  • Press ALT + F8 to open the Macro.
  • Run the code.

This is the output.


 

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Mrinmoy Roy
Mrinmoy Roy

Mrinmoy Roy, a dedicated professional with a BSc in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh, brings over two years of expertise to the ExcelDemy project. As a prolific contributor, he has authored around 180 articles, showcasing his deep knowledge and passion for Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, and VBA. His unwavering commitment to continuous learning, combined with versatile skills, renders him well-suited for roles in data management and spreadsheet solutions. He has interest... Read Full Bio

2 Comments
  1. Great post! The examples are really helpful for understanding how to effectively use the SIN function in Excel. I especially appreciated the step-by-step explanations – they made it so much easier to follow along. Thank you for sharing!

    • Hello,

      You are most welcome. Thanks for your appreciation. Glad to hear that the article’s step by step explanations is helpful to you. Keep learning Excel with ExcelDemy!

      Regards
      ExcelDemy

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