How to derive it
- In an equilateral triangle of side 2, drop a perpendicular: it splits into two 30°–60°–90° triangles with sides 1, √3 and 2.
- cos = adjacent ÷ hypotenuse, so cos 30° = √3/2.
All trig ratios of 30°
| Ratio | Exact | Decimal |
|---|---|---|
| sin 30° | 1/2 | 0.5000 |
| cos 30° | √3/2 | 0.8660 |
| tan 30° | 1/√3 | 0.5774 |
| cosec 30° | 1 ÷ sin 30° | 2.0000 |
| sec 30° | 1 ÷ cos 30° | 1.1547 |
| cot 30° | 1 ÷ tan 30° | 1.7321 |
Exact values of special angles
For whole-degree values from 0° to 90°, see the trigonometry table.
Questions students ask
What is the value of cos 30°?
√3/2, which is about 0.8660.
What is cos 30° in radians?
30° is π/6 radians, so cos(π/6) = √3/2.
Is cos 30° equal to sin 60°?
Yes. cos θ = sin(90° − θ), so cos 30° = sin 60°.