Math.atan2()

The Math.atan2() function returns the arctangent of the quotient of its arguments.

Syntax

JavaScript
Math.atan2(<var>y</var>, <var>x</var>)

Parameters

y
First number.
x
Second number.

Return value

The arctangent of the quotient of the given arguments.

Description

The Math.atan2() method returns a numeric value between -π and π representing the angle theta of an (x, y) point. This is the counterclockwise angle, measured in radians, between the positive X axis, and the point (x, y). Note that the arguments to this function pass the y-coordinate first and the x-coordinate second.

A simple diagram showing the angle returned by atan2(y, x)

Math.atan2() is passed separate x and y arguments, and Math.atan() is passed the ratio of those two arguments.

Because atan2() is a static method of Math, you always use it as Math.atan2(), rather than as a method of a Math object you created (Math is not a constructor).

Examples

Using Math.atan2()

JavaScript
Math.atan2(90, 15); // 1.4056476493802699
Math.atan2(15, 90); // 0.16514867741462683

Math.atan2(±0, -0);               // ±PI.
Math.atan2(±0, +0);               // ±0.
Math.atan2(±0, -x);               // ±PI for x > 0.
Math.atan2(±0, x);                // ±0 for x > 0.
Math.atan2(-y, ±0);               // -PI/2 for y > 0.
Math.atan2(y, ±0);                // PI/2 for y > 0.
Math.atan2(±y, -Infinity);        // ±PI for finite y > 0.
Math.atan2(±y, +Infinity);        // ±0 for finite y > 0.
Math.atan2(±Infinity, x);         // ±PI/2 for finite x.
Math.atan2(±Infinity, -Infinity); // ±3*PI/4.
Math.atan2(±Infinity, +Infinity); // ±PI/4.

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
ECMAScript 1st Edition (ECMA-262) Standard Initial definition. Implemented in JavaScript 1.0.
ECMAScript 5.1 (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'Math.atan2' in that specification.
Standard  
ECMAScript 2015 (6th Edition, ECMA-262)
The definition of 'Math.atan2' in that specification.
Standard  
ECMAScript 2017 Draft (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'Math.atan2' in that specification.
Draft  

Browser compatibility

Feature Chrome Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)
Feature Android Chrome for Android Firefox Mobile (Gecko) IE Mobile Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)

See also

License

© 2016 Mozilla Contributors
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License v2.5 or later.
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-us/docs/web/javascript/reference/global_objects/math/atan2

JavaScript Math Method Reference