Cal11 calculator

Find Degrees of Right Triangle Calculator

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

This calculator helps you find the angles of a right triangle when you know the lengths of two sides. Right triangles are fundamental in geometry and appear in many practical applications, from construction to navigation.

How to Use This Calculator

To find the degrees of a right triangle, follow these steps:

  1. Enter the length of the first side in the "Side A" field.
  2. Enter the length of the second side in the "Side B" field.
  3. Click the "Calculate" button to see the angles.
  4. Review the results and chart visualization.

The calculator will display the angles opposite to each side and a visual representation of the triangle.

Formula for Right Triangle Angles

In a right triangle, the angles can be found using trigonometric functions. The two non-right angles (let's call them α and β) can be calculated using the following formulas:

tan(α) = opposite/adjacent = Side B / Side A

α = arctan(Side B / Side A)

β = 90° - α

Where:

  • α is the angle opposite to Side A
  • β is the angle opposite to Side B
  • The right angle is always 90°

Worked Example

Let's find the angles of a right triangle with sides of 3 units and 4 units.

  1. Calculate tan(α) = 4 / 3 ≈ 1.333
  2. Find α = arctan(1.333) ≈ 53.13°
  3. Calculate β = 90° - 53.13° ≈ 36.87°

The angles are approximately 53.13° and 36.87°.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a right triangle?
A right triangle is a triangle with one angle exactly equal to 90 degrees. The side opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse, and the other two sides are called legs.
How do I know which angle corresponds to which side?
The angle opposite to Side A is calculated using the formula tan(α) = Side B / Side A. The other non-right angle is simply 90° minus this angle.
Can I use this calculator for non-right triangles?
No, this calculator is specifically designed for right triangles. For other types of triangles, you would need a different approach or calculator.