Double Angle Calculator
This double angle calculator works out sin(2x), cos(2x) and tan(2x) for any angle x, using the standard double angle identities, so you can check homework, verify a derivation, or evaluate an expression without doing the trigonometry by hand. You enter a single angle and choose whether it is in degrees or radians, and the calculator instantly returns the doubled-angle result: the main sin(2x) figure is shown large, with cos(2x) and tan(2x) alongside it, each rounded for easy reading. Behind the scenes it converts your angle to radians if needed, doubles it, and applies sin(2x) = 2 sin x cos x, cos(2x) = cos squared x minus sin squared x, and tan(2x) = 2 tan x over one minus tan squared x, flagging tan(2x) as undefined at the angles where cos(2x) is zero. These identities fall straight out of the addition formulas when both angles are equal, and they turn up constantly in calculus, integration, physics and engineering, for example when combining waves or simplifying an integral before solving it. The cosine double angle has three equivalent forms, which is useful when you need the answer written in terms of sine only or cosine only. Enter your own angle, or use the worked example for 30 degrees below to confirm the calculator matches your own working before relying on it for a harder problem.
The formula
The double angle identities are: sin(2x) = 2 sin x cos x; cos(2x) = cos² x − sin² x = 2 cos² x − 1 = 1 − 2 sin² x; and tan(2x) = 2 tan x / (1 − tan² x).
Worked example
For x = 30 degrees: sin(2x) = sin 60 = 0.866025, cos(2x) = cos 60 = 0.5, tan(2x) = tan 60 = 1.732051. Enter 30 degrees to confirm.
Frequently asked questions
What is the double angle formula for sine?
sin(2x) = 2 sin x cos x. It follows from the sum formula with both angles equal to x.
Why does cos(2x) have three forms?
cos(2x) = cos squared x minus sin squared x, which rearranges using the Pythagorean identity into 2 cos squared x minus 1, or 1 minus 2 sin squared x.
When is tan(2x) undefined?
When tan squared x equals 1, that is at x = 45, 135 degrees and so on, where cos(2x) is zero.
Who this calculator is for
This calculator is for trigonometry and calculus students using the double angle identities.
What this calculator assumes
- You enter one angle in the chosen unit.
- The doubled angle is evaluated in radians.
- Results are rounded for display.
Formula and sources
Related calculators
- Trig Calculator: all six trig functions.
- Sine Calculator: sine of an angle.
- Right Angle Triangle Calculator: solve a right triangle.