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 60° = √3/2.
All trig ratios of 60°
| Ratio | Exact | Decimal |
|---|---|---|
| sin 60° | √3/2 | 0.8660 |
| cos 60° | 1/2 | 0.5000 |
| tan 60° | √3 | 1.7321 |
| cosec 60° | 1 ÷ sin 60° | 1.1547 |
| sec 60° | 1 ÷ cos 60° | 2.0000 |
| cot 60° | 1 ÷ tan 60° | 0.5774 |
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 60°?
√3/2, which is about 0.8660.
What is sin 60° in radians?
60° is π/3 radians, so sin(π/3) = √3/2.
Is sin 60° equal to cos 30°?
Yes. sin θ = cos(90° − θ), so sin 60° = cos 30°.