Scalar function
Returns NULL when an argument is NULL.
Syntax
Scalar
Arguments
Returns
- Type: DOUBLE; FLOAT when the input is evaluated as FLOAT
- Possible values: Values in radians from -pi/2 through pi/2 for input in [-1, 1]; NaN outside this domain.
- NULL behavior: Returns NULL when an argument is NULL.
Properties
- Approximation bound: No fixed maximum error is guaranteed.
Units
- Input unit: Dimensionless number
- Output unit: Radians
- Use degrees(result) to convert the result to degrees.
Usage notes
- Numeric inputs are normally converted to DOUBLE for calculation. An input evaluated as FLOAT keeps FLOAT precision.
- INTEGER and INT mean the same type; STRING means VARCHAR text. NULL can be used with a supported type. Cast NULL explicitly when its type would otherwise be unclear.
- Exact result: Floating-point computation can round the mathematical result.
Examples
Results are in radians, rounded to six decimal places.
Limitations
- Input outside [-1, 1] produces NaN rather than NULL.
- Query tools may report DOUBLE even when the result is FLOAT. The reported type does not increase the result’s precision.
Last modified on October 15, 2026