BrightChamps Logo
Login
Creative Math Ideas Image
Live Math Learners Count Icon104 Learners

Last updated on June 25th, 2025

Math Whiteboard Illustration

Inverse Tangent Calculator

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

Calculators are reliable tools for solving simple mathematical problems and advanced calculations like trigonometry. Whether you’re cooking, tracking BMI, or planning a construction project, calculators will make your life easy. In this topic, we are going to talk about inverse tangent calculators.

Inverse Tangent Calculator for Saudi Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is an Inverse Tangent Calculator?

An inverse tangent calculator is a tool to determine the angle whose tangent is a given number. Since trigonometric functions and their inverses involve complex calculations, the calculator helps find the inverse tangent value quickly and accurately. This calculator simplifies the process, saving time and effort.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

How to Use the Inverse Tangent Calculator?

Given below is a step-by-step process on how to use the calculator:

 

Step 1: Enter the tangent value: Input the tangent value into the given field.

 

Step 2: Click on calculate: Click on the calculate button to get the angle.

 

Step 3: View the result: The calculator will display the angle in degrees or radians instantly.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

How to Calculate the Inverse Tangent?

To find the inverse tangent of a number, we use the arctan function. The inverse tangent of a number x is the angle θ such that tan(θ) = x. θ = arctan(x) This formula allows us to find the angle whose tangent value is x, providing a straightforward method for calculation.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Tips and Tricks for Using the Inverse Tangent Calculator

When using an inverse tangent calculator, a few tips and tricks can help ensure accuracy and ease:

 

Consider the range of the arctan function, which typically is between -π/2 and π/2 radians or -90° and 90°.

 

Understand the context of your problem to determine if you need the angle in degrees or radians.

 

Use decimal precision to interpret the resulting angle accurately.

Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Using the Inverse Tangent Calculator

We may think that when using a calculator, mistakes will not happen. But it is possible for errors to occur when using a calculator.

Mistake 1

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Rounding too early before completing the calculation.

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Wait until the very end for a more accurate result. For example, you might round 45.29° to 45° before finishing the calculation, but this will be incorrect. You need to remember the decimal part.

Mistake 2

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Confusing radians with degrees

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Ensure that you are interpreting the result in the correct unit. If the calculator provides the angle in radians, convert it to degrees if necessary, and vice versa.

Mistake 3

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Incorrectly interpreting the range of the arctan function

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

The range of the inverse tangent function is limited to -90° to 90° or -π/2 to π/2 radians. Misunderstanding this range can lead to incorrect conclusions about the angle.

Mistake 4

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Relying on the calculator a bit too much for precision

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Remember that the result provided by the calculator is an estimate. In real-life situations, additional context or adjustments may be necessary.

Mistake 5

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Assuming all calculators will handle all scenarios.

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Not all calculators are designed to handle every mathematical function or scenario. Ensure that your calculator is capable of processing inverse trigonometric functions correctly.

arrow-right
Max from BrightChamps Saying "Hey"

Inverse Tangent Calculator Examples

Ray, the Character from BrightChamps Explaining Math Concepts
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 1

What is the inverse tangent of 1?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

Use the formula: θ = arctan(1) θ = 45° or π/4 radians

This means that the angle whose tangent is 1 is 45° or π/4 radians.

Explanation

By using the arctan function, we find that an angle of 45° or π/4 radians has a tangent of 1.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

Find the angle whose tangent is 0.5.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

Use the formula: θ = arctan(0.5) θ ≈ 26.57° or 0.4636 radians

This means that the angle whose tangent is 0.5 is approximately 26.57° or 0.4636 radians.

Explanation

The arctan function gives us an approximate angle of 26.57° or 0.4636 radians for a tangent of 0.5.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

If the tangent is -1, what is the angle?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

Use the formula: θ = arctan(-1) θ = -45° or -π/4 radians

The angle whose tangent is -1 is -45° or -π/4 radians.

Explanation

The inverse tangent of -1 results in an angle of -45° or -π/4 radians.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 4

Determine the angle for a tangent value of 2.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

Use the formula: θ = arctan(2) θ ≈ 63.43° or 1.107 radians

The angle corresponding to a tangent of 2 is approximately 63.43° or 1.107 radians.

Explanation

The arctan function calculates an angle of about 63.43° or 1.107 radians for a tangent of 2.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 5

What is the angle if the tangent is -0.75?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

Use the formula: θ = arctan(-0.75) θ ≈ -36.87° or -0.6435 radians

The angle for a tangent of -0.75 is approximately -36.87° or -0.6435 radians.

Explanation

The inverse tangent function gives an angle of around -36.87° or -0.6435 radians for a tangent of -0.75.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Ray Thinking Deeply About Math Problems

FAQs on Using the Inverse Tangent Calculator

1.How do you calculate the inverse tangent?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

2.What is the range of the arctan function?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

3.Why do we use the arctan function?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

4.How do I use an inverse tangent calculator?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

5.Is the inverse tangent calculator accurate?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Glossary of Terms for the Inverse Tangent Calculator

  • Inverse Tangent: A mathematical function that determines the angle whose tangent is a given value.

 

  • Arctan: Another name for the inverse tangent function.

 

  • Radians: A unit for measuring angles based on the radius of a circle.

 

  • Degrees: A unit for measuring angles based on dividing a circle into 360 parts.

 

  • Tangent: A trigonometric function that represents the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side in a right triangle.
Math Teacher Background Image
Math Teacher Image

Seyed Ali Fathima S

About the Author

Seyed Ali Fathima S a math expert with nearly 5 years of experience as a math teacher. From an engineer to a math teacher, shows her passion for math and teaching. She is a calculator queen, who loves tables and she turns tables to puzzles and songs.

Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

: She has songs for each table which helps her to remember the tables

INDONESIA - Axa Tower 45th floor, JL prof. Dr Satrio Kav. 18, Kel. Karet Kuningan, Kec. Setiabudi, Kota Adm. Jakarta Selatan, Prov. DKI Jakarta
INDIA - H.No. 8-2-699/1, SyNo. 346, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500034
SINGAPORE - 60 Paya Lebar Road #05-16, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore (409051)
USA - 251, Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808
VIETNAM (Office 1) - Hung Vuong Building, 670 Ba Thang Hai, ward 14, district 10, Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM (Office 2) - 143 Nguyễn Thị Thập, Khu đô thị Him Lam, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Dubai - BrightChamps, 8W building 5th Floor, DAFZ, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
UK - Ground floor, Redwood House, Brotherswood Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol, BS32 4QW, United Kingdom