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How to Change A Graphing Calculator From Radians to Degrees

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

Graphing calculators typically default to radians mode, but many math problems require degrees. This guide explains how to switch between these modes on popular graphing calculators and provides a built-in conversion tool.

Why Change Modes?

Most scientific and graphing calculators use radians as their default angle unit because radians are the natural unit of angular measurement in calculus and higher mathematics. However, degrees are more intuitive for everyday problems and geometry.

You'll need to switch to degrees when working with:

  • Trigonometric functions in geometry problems
  • Angles in navigation and surveying
  • Protractor measurements
  • Any situation where angles are measured in degrees

Note: Some calculators have a "degree" button that temporarily changes the mode for a single calculation, while others require you to change the mode permanently.

Step-by-Step Instructions

For TI-84 Plus Series

  1. Press the MODE button
  2. Use the arrow keys to highlight Angle
  3. Press the ENTER button to select Degrees
  4. Press the QUIT button to exit the menu

For Casio fx-CG50

  1. Press the SHIFT button
  2. Press the SETUP button
  3. Use the arrow keys to select Angle
  4. Press the ENTER button to choose Degrees
  5. Press the EXIT button

For HP Prime

  1. Press the SETUP button
  2. Use the arrow keys to select Angle
  3. Press the ENTER button to choose Degrees
  4. Press the DONE button

Pro Tip: Most graphing calculators will remember your angle unit setting until you change it again. This means you can switch modes as needed for different problems.

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Calculator Still Shows Radians

If your calculator isn't changing modes, try these troubleshooting steps:

  • Check that you're in the correct menu (some calculators have multiple setup menus)
  • Ensure you've pressed the correct button combination
  • Restart your calculator if it's behaving erratically

2. Wrong Results After Conversion

If your trigonometric calculations are incorrect after switching modes, verify that:

  • You entered the angle in the correct units
  • The calculator is indeed in degree mode (check the display)
  • You're using the correct trigonometric function (e.g., sin for degrees, not sinr for radians)

3. Calculator Doesn't Have Degree Mode

Some basic calculators don't support degree mode. In this case:

  • Use the conversion formula to manually convert between radians and degrees
  • Consider upgrading to a scientific or graphing calculator
  • Use our built-in conversion tool below

Conversion Formula

The relationship between radians and degrees is defined by the formula:

degrees = radians × (180/π)

And conversely:

radians = degrees × (π/180)

Where π (pi) is approximately 3.14159265359.

For example, to convert π/2 radians to degrees:

(π/2) × (180/π) = 90 degrees

FAQ

Can I switch between radians and degrees for a single calculation?

Some calculators have a "degree" button that temporarily changes the mode for a single trigonometric function. On other calculators, you'll need to change the mode permanently.

Will changing the angle mode affect other calculations?

No, changing the angle mode only affects trigonometric functions. Other calculations like addition, subtraction, and basic algebra will work the same way regardless of the angle mode.

Can I use degrees with inverse trigonometric functions?

Yes, most graphing calculators will return inverse trigonometric results in the same units as your current angle mode. For example, if you're in degree mode, arcsin(1) will return 90.