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.
- sin = opposite ÷ hypotenuse, so sin 30° = 1/2.
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 sin 30°?
1/2, which is about 0.5000.
What is sin 30° in radians?
30° is π/6 radians, so sin(π/6) = 1/2.
Is sin 30° equal to cos 60°?
Yes. sin θ = cos(90° − θ), so sin 30° = cos 60°.