Complex Number to Cartesian Form Calculator

Transform magnitude and angle into a plus bi form quickly. Compare degrees and radians safely. Get accurate Cartesian components with export ready working details.

Calculator Inputs

Distance from the origin.
Use the unit selected below.

Formula Used

Polar or exponential input: z = r(cos θ + i sin θ) = re^(iθ)

Cartesian output: z = a + bi

Real component: a = r cos θ

Imaginary component: b = r sin θ

If the radius is negative, the calculator uses the equivalent positive radius by adding π radians to the angle.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the magnitude of the complex number.
  2. Enter the angle in degrees or radians.
  3. Select the angle direction used by your problem.
  4. Choose the input style for labeling your work.
  5. Set decimal precision for the final answer.
  6. Press calculate to see the result above the form.
  7. Use CSV or PDF to save the completed conversion.

Example Data Table

Magnitude Angle Unit Cartesian Form Point
5 53.130102° Degrees 3 + 4i (3, 4)
10 180° Degrees -10 + 0i (-10, 0)
7 π / 2 Radians 0 + 7i (0, 7)
12 300° Degrees 6 - 10.392305i (6, -10.392305)

Understanding Cartesian Complex Form

A complex number has two parts. The first part is real. The second part is imaginary. Cartesian form writes the number as a + bi. This style is clear for addition, subtraction, graphing, and comparison. Many problems start with polar form. Polar form gives a distance and an angle. The calculator changes that description into horizontal and vertical components.

Why the Conversion Matters

Cartesian form is useful in algebra and engineering. It shows how far the point moves along the real axis. It also shows how far it moves along the imaginary axis. Circuits, signals, rotations, and vectors often use this idea. A polar entry may be shorter. A Cartesian result is easier to combine with other numbers. That is why both forms are important.

Angle and Unit Handling

The angle can be entered in degrees or radians. Degrees are common in classrooms. Radians are common in calculus and programming. The calculator converts degrees into radians before using trigonometric functions. It can also treat the angle as clockwise. This option helps when a diagram uses a reversed direction. Angle normalization keeps equivalent angles within one clean rotation.

Reading the Output

The real part comes from the cosine of the angle. The imaginary part comes from the sine of the angle. Both values are multiplied by the magnitude. A positive imaginary part appears with a plus sign. A negative imaginary part appears with a minus sign. The ordered pair shows the same point as (real, imaginary).

Better Results and Exports

Small rounding errors can appear near axis angles. The calculator cleans tiny values close to zero. You may choose decimal precision for practical reporting. The CSV option saves the result for spreadsheets. The PDF option creates a printable record. Always check the chosen angle unit. A wrong unit can change the answer completely. Use the example table to confirm expected behavior before solving larger tasks.

Practical Quality Checks

Test angles first. Zero degrees should return a positive real value. Ninety degrees should return a positive imaginary value. One hundred eighty degrees should return a negative real value. These checks reveal swapped units, wrong signs, or mistaken direction settings.

FAQs

What is Cartesian form?

Cartesian form writes a complex number as a + bi. The value a is the real part. The value b is the imaginary coefficient.

What inputs are needed?

You need the magnitude and angle. Then choose degrees or radians. You may also choose clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

How is the real part calculated?

The real part equals magnitude times cosine of the angle. The calculator uses the adjusted angle after unit and direction settings.

How is the imaginary part calculated?

The imaginary part equals magnitude times sine of the angle. It becomes negative when the point falls below the real axis.

Can I use radians?

Yes. Select radians from the unit list. The calculator will use your angle directly without degree conversion.

What happens with a negative magnitude?

A negative magnitude is converted to an equivalent positive magnitude. The angle is shifted by π radians for the same point.

Why do tiny values become zero?

Trigonometric calculations can create very small rounding noise. The calculator removes tiny near-zero values for cleaner final answers.

Can I export my answer?

Yes. Use the CSV button for spreadsheet data. Use the PDF button for a printable summary of the calculation.

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