Mathematics · Trigonometry
Cartesian to Polar Converter
Convert x and y coordinates into radius and direction.
Inputs and results stay in this browser. Change one value at a time to explore the relationship.
Calculation steps
- r=√(3²+4²)=5.
- θ=atan2(4,3)=53.13010235415598°.
Understand Cartesian to polar
One idea, three depths
Choose how deeply to explain Cartesian to polar
Cartesian to polar: Convert x and y coordinates into radius and direction.
Age 5Explain it to a 5-year-oldStart with a picture
Imagine using Cartesian to polar to answer this question: convert x and y coordinates into radius and direction? Enter x coordinate and y coordinate; the calculator shows Radius r. For example: (3,4) becomes r=5 and θ≈53.13°. The answer tells you Radius r.
Age 15Explain it to a 15-year-oldConnect it to the formula
Magnitude and direction provide an equivalent description of a planar point. The rule is r=√(x²+y²); θ=atan2(y,x). Its input values are x coordinate, y coordinate, and the main result is Radius r. For example: (3,4) becomes r=5 and θ≈53.13°.
CollegeExplain it at college levelState the model precisely
This calculator evaluates the stated cartesian to polar relation over the valid real-number domain stated below. The implemented relation is r=√(x²+y²); θ=atan2(y,x), evaluated from x coordinate, y coordinate to produce Radius r. Magnitude and direction provide an equivalent description of a planar point. atan2 preserves the quadrant; ordinary arctangent may not.
Inputs and valid domain
- x coordinate must be a finite real number.
- y coordinate must be a finite real number.
Important boundary: atan2 preserves the quadrant; ordinary arctangent may not.
The formula
r=√(x²+y²); θ=atan2(y,x)
How the calculator works through it
It substitutes x coordinate, y coordinate into the formula and exposes every numerical step above. The main output is Radius r, accompanied by Angle θ.
Read the result correctly
The Radius r is the direct answer to “convert x and y coordinates into radius and direction.” Read it with the units shown beside the inputs; a sign, angle, percentage or rate changes what the number means.
A worked check
(3,4) becomes r=5 and θ≈53.13°.
Where this model stops being reliable
atan2 preserves the quadrant; ordinary arctangent may not.
Learn it by changing one value
Begin with the worked example, then change one value while keeping the others fixed. Compare the new result and calculation steps to identify which part of the formula changed.
Dictionary terms behind this calculator
Before studying the codeWhat you should know firstUse the calculator immediately, or check the foundations before reading the implementation.
These foundations help you understand why Cartesian to polar works. They never block the calculator, and “optional” means useful context rather than a hidden requirement.
Hard requirements
- Reading formulas and substituting values
Cartesian to polar uses r=√(x²+y²); θ=atan2(y,x). You need to recognise what each side represents before substituting the stated inputs or rearranging the relationship.
Review this foundation about 4 min
Strong support
- Angles in degrees and radians
Interpreting the angle convention is essential for understanding the inputs and output of Cartesian to polar.
Review this foundation about 5 min
Optional enrichment
- Functions and their graphs
Function graphs show how the Cartesian to polar relationship changes across a full angle or period.
Review this foundation about 6 min
Mathematics → algorithm → program
Implement this calculation in code
These are direct reference implementations of the calculator's principal relationship and first output. They run locally and include a small known-answer check where the language supports it.
Algorithm
- Read x coordinate, y coordinate.
- Evaluate the principal relationship: r=√(x²+y²); θ=atan2(y,x).
- Return Radius r and check the domain conditions described above.
Python
from math import *
def cartesian_to_polar(a, b) -> float:
return sqrt(((a * a) + (b * b)))
assert abs(cartesian_to_polar(3, 4) - 5) < 1e-6 * max(1.0, abs(5))
C
#include <assert.h>
#include <math.h>
double cartesian_to_polar(double a, double b) {
return sqrt(((a * a) + (b * b)));
}
int main(void) {
const double expected = 5;
const double actual = cartesian_to_polar(3, 4);
assert(fabs(actual - expected) < 1e-6 * fmax(1.0, fabs(expected)));
}
C++
#include <cassert>
#include <cmath>
#include <numbers>
double cartesian_to_polar(double a, double b) {
return std::sqrt(((a * a) + (b * b)));
}
int main() {
constexpr double expected = 5;
const double actual = cartesian_to_polar(3, 4);
assert(std::fabs(actual - expected) < 1e-6 * std::fmax(1.0, std::fabs(expected)));
}
Linux x86-64 assembly
x86-64 NASM · System V ABI · Linux · SSE2 with libm where required
; double cartesian_to_polar(double a, double b)
; Linux x86-64 NASM · System V ABI · first eight doubles in xmm0–xmm7
global cartesian_to_polar
section .text
cartesian_to_polar:
push rbp
mov rbp, rsp
sub rsp, 48
movsd [rbp-8], xmm0
movsd [rbp-16], xmm1
movsd xmm0, [rbp-8]
mulsd xmm0, [rbp-8]
movsd [rbp-40], xmm0
movsd xmm0, [rbp-16]
mulsd xmm0, [rbp-16]
movsd [rbp-48], xmm0
movsd xmm0, [rbp-40]
addsd xmm0, [rbp-48]
movsd [rbp-32], xmm0
sqrtsd xmm0, [rbp-32]
movsd [rbp-24], xmm0
movsd xmm0, [rbp-24]
leave
ret
MATLAB
function result = cartesian_to_polar(a, b)
result = sqrt(((a * a) + (b * b)));
end
Wolfram Language
ClearAll[mwCalculate];
mwCalculate[a_, b_] := Sqrt[((a * a) + (b * b))];
Continue in mathematical software
The downloaded file includes your current inputs and first calculated result. It is created locally.
Floating-point answers can differ slightly by language, compiler and processor. Compare within a suitable tolerance rather than assuming every decimal representation will be identical.
Supporting sourcesAcademic referencesPrimary standards, textbooks and complete citations
Standards, reading and academic references
Use the calculator as the worked interaction, then consult the primary standards and academic textbooks listed below. MW SysArc links to the original sources; the explanation on this page is original and does not reproduce them.
Algebra and Trigonometry 2e
Read the related free OpenStax mathematics chaptersCite this book
- APA 7
- Abramson, J. (2021). Algebra and trigonometry 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/algebra-and-trigonometry-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-prerequisites
- MLA 9
- Abramson, Jay. Algebra and Trigonometry 2e. OpenStax, 2021, https://openstax.org/books/algebra-and-trigonometry-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-prerequisites.
- Chicago author-date
- Abramson, Jay. 2021. Algebra and Trigonometry 2e. Houston, TX: OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/algebra-and-trigonometry-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-prerequisites.
OpenStax entries are free to read online. Follow the licence shown on each linked source before redistributing or adapting its content.
Reuse the page responsiblyCite this pageAPA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, BibTeX and RIS
These formats cite this calculator page itself. They are separate from the academic references above, which support the mathematical method and terminology.
APA 7
MW SysArc. (2026, July 21). Cartesian to Polar Converter. MW SysArc Tools. https://math.mwsysarc.com/trigonometry/cartesian-to-polar
MLA 9
MW SysArc. “Cartesian to Polar Converter.” MW SysArc Tools, 21 July 2026, https://math.mwsysarc.com/trigonometry/cartesian-to-polar. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.
Chicago 17
MW SysArc. “Cartesian to Polar Converter.” MW SysArc Tools. Published July 21, 2026. Accessed August 31, 2026. https://math.mwsysarc.com/trigonometry/cartesian-to-polar.
Harvard
MW SysArc (2026) ‘Cartesian to Polar Converter’, MW SysArc Tools. Published 21 July 2026. Available at: https://math.mwsysarc.com/trigonometry/cartesian-to-polar (Accessed: 31 August 2026).
BibTeX and RIS records
BibTeX
@misc{mwsysarc_cartesian_to_polar_2026,
author = {{MW SysArc}},
title = {Cartesian to Polar Converter},
howpublished = {MW SysArc Tools},
year = {2026},
url = {https://math.mwsysarc.com/trigonometry/cartesian-to-polar},
note = {Published July 21, 2026; accessed August 31, 2026}
}RIS
TY - ELEC
AU - MW SysArc
TI - Cartesian to Polar Converter
T2 - MW SysArc Tools
PY - 2026
DA - 2026-07-21
Y2 - 2026-08-31
UR - https://math.mwsysarc.com/trigonometry/cartesian-to-polar
N1 - Published July 21, 2026
ER -Clear answers
Frequently asked questions
What does the Cartesian to polar do?
Convert x and y coordinates into radius and direction.
How does the Cartesian to polar work?
The calculator applies r=√(x²+y²); θ=atan2(y,x). Magnitude and direction provide an equivalent description of a planar point.
What can I learn from the Cartesian to polar?
It connects the mathematical rule to your chosen numbers and shows each calculation step. Change one input at a time to see how the result responds.
Does MW SysArc receive or store what I enter?
No. The calculation runs locally in your browser. MW SysArc does not receive or store your calculation inputs.
How should I use the result?
Use the steps to understand the method, then verify important school or professional work using the notation and rounding rules required in your setting.
Last reviewed . Calculations tested .