Polar vs. Cartesian Coordinates
Convert between Polar and Cartesian coordinate systems. Transform 2D coordinates using mathematical formulas to switch between perpendicular Cartesian axes and distance/angle-based Polar coordinates.
Polar vs. Cartesian Coordinates
In the Cartesian system the coordinates are perpendicular to one another with the same unit length on both axes.
2D Cartesian coordinates: (x, y)
A Polar coordinate system is determined by a fixed point (origin or pole) and a zero direction (axis). Each point is determined by an angle and a distance relative to the zero axis and the origin.
Polar coordinates: (r, θ)
Conversion Formulas
Cartesian to Polar:
- r = √(x² + y²)
- θ = atan(y / x)
Polar to Cartesian:
- x = r cos(θ)
- y = r sin(θ)