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PI

The PI() function returns the value of pi to 10 decimal places, which is approximately 3.1415926536. This function is often used in geometry and trigonometry calculations.

Usage

Use the PI formula with the syntax shown below:

=PI()

Examples

Here are a few example use cases that explain how to use the PI formula in Google Sheets.

Calculating the circumference of a circle

To calculate the circumference of a circle, multiply the diameter by pi. For example, if the diameter of a circle is 10, the circumference would be =10*PI() which would return approximately 31.415926536.

Calculating the area of a circle

To calculate the area of a circle, square the radius and multiply by pi. For example, if the radius of a circle is 5, the area would be =5^2*PI() which would return approximately 78.53981634.

Calculating the volume of a sphere

To calculate the volume of a sphere, cube the radius, multiply by 4, and then multiply by pi and divide by 3. For example, if the radius of a sphere is 3, the volume would be =(4/3)*PI()*3^3 which would return approximately 113.09733553.

Common Mistakes

PI not working? Here are some common mistakes people make when using the PI Google Sheets Formula:

Not using parenthesis

If you do not use parenthesis when using the PI formula, it will result in an error. Make sure to use PI() with empty parenthesis to get the value of PI.

Using incorrect capitalization

The PI formula is case-sensitive and must be written in all capital letters. Using lowercase or mixed-case letters will result in an error. Make sure to use PI() with all capital letters.

Related Formulas

The following functions are similar to PI or are often used with it in a formula:

  • COS

    The COS function in Google Sheets returns the cosine of an angle provided in radians. It is commonly used in trigonometry to calculate the cosine of an angle. The function takes one parameter, the angle in radians.

  • SIN

    The SIN function in Google Sheets returns the sine of a given angle in radians. Sine is a mathematical function that describes a smooth repetitive oscillation. It is commonly used in trigonometry, physics, and engineering to model phenomena such as waves, oscillations, and periodic motion.

  • TAN

    The TAN function returns the tangent of an angle specified in radians. Tangent is the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the length of the adjacent side of a right-angled triangle. This function is commonly used in trigonometry and geometry calculations.

Learn More

You can learn more about the PI Google Sheets function on Google Support.