Engineering

IMTAN Function in Excel

Returns the tangent of a complex number.

Syntax

  • =IMTAN(inumber)

Arguments

  • inumber (required): Complex number

Examples

  • =IMTAN("1+i") - Tangent of complex number - Result: 0.272+1.084i

IMTAN in technical sheets

  • Document units in adjacent cells — many engineering functions require exact unit strings.
  • Use [CONVERT](/functions/convert/) for unit changes before specialized formulas.
  • Validate inputs with [ISNUMBER](/functions/isnumber/) and range checks.

Common errors

  • #NUM! if not valid complex number

Use cases

  • Complex analysis
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the IMTAN function in Excel? IMTAN returns the tangent of a complex number. The syntax is =IMTAN(inumber). Typical use cases include complex analysis, engineering, mathematics.
  • How do I use the IMTAN function? To use IMTAN, type =IMTAN( in a cell and provide the required arguments. Excel will show you the syntax and parameter hints as you type. Make sure to close the parentheses and press Enter to execute the function.
  • Why is IMTAN not working in my Excel? Common issues with IMTAN include #NUM! if not valid complex number. Start by checking the syntax =IMTAN(inumber), then verify each referenced cell or range.

Editorial review

  • Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.

When to use IMTAN

  • Complex analysis — common Engineering scenario for IMTAN.
  • Engineering — common Engineering scenario for IMTAN.
  • Mathematics — common Engineering scenario for IMTAN.

IMTAN in the Engineering category

  • Browse all Engineering functions at /categories/engineering/ for related formulas.
  • IMTAN syntax: =IMTAN(inumber)
  • inumber (required): Complex number
  • Confirm IMTAN arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.

Formula checklist before you copy down

  • Confirm IMTAN arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.
  • If results look wrong, check for text stored as numbers and invisible spaces with TRIM.
  • Spot-check three known input rows manually against expected output.

Related Excel functions

  • IMSIN (/functions/imsin/): Returns the sine of a complex number.
  • IMCOS (/functions/imcos/): Returns the cosine of a complex number.
  • TAN (/functions/tan/): Returns the tangent of an angle specified in radians.

Errors to watch for

  • #NUM! if not valid complex number — review causes on linked error pages in the directory.

Copy-paste audit workflow

  • Enter IMTAN on three test rows with known expected output documented on a QA tab.
  • Fill down only after absolute references are locked on lookup tables and rate tables.
  • Compare against manual calculation or a calculator for financial and statistical functions.
  • Search this directory for comparison guides when choosing between similar functions in the same category.

IMTAN worked examples to copy

  • =IMTAN("1+i") — Tangent of complex number. Expected result: 0.272+1.084i.

IMTAN reference summary for crawlers and offline review

  • IMTAN belongs to the Engineering category in Excel. Returns the tangent of a complex number.
  • Full syntax: =IMTAN(inumber). Open /functions/imtan/ for parameters, FAQs, and related pages.
  • Common mistakes: #NUM! if not valid complex number
  • Pair this function with comparison guides when another Excel formula might fit the same task better.
  • Review fix-excel-formula-errors when unexpected errors appear after upgrading Excel or sharing across locales.