Gradian
In trigonometry, the gradian – also known as the gon (from Ancient Greek γωνία (gōnía) 'angle'), grad, or grade – is a unit of measurement of an angle, defined as one-hundredth of the right angle; in other words, 100 gradians is equal to 90 degrees. It is equivalent to 1/400 of a turn, 9/10 of a degree, or π/200 of a radian. Measuring angles in gradians is said to employ the centesimal system of angular measurement, initiated as part of metrication and decimalisation efforts.
| gon | |
|---|---|
Compass graded with 400 gon | |
| General information | |
| Unit of | Angle |
| Symbol | gon, g, grad |
| Conversions | |
| 1 gon in ... | ... is equal to ... |
| turns | 1/400 turn |
| radians | π/200 rad ≈ 0.0157... rad |
| milliradians | 5π mrad ≈ 15.71... mrad |
| degrees | 9/10° |
| minutes of arc | 54′ |
In continental Europe, the French word centigrade, also known as centesimal minute of arc, was in use for one hundredth of a grade; similarly, the centesimal second of arc was defined as one hundredth of a centesimal arc-minute, analogous to decimal time and the sexagesimal minutes and seconds of arc. The chance of confusion was one reason for the adoption of the term Celsius to replace centigrade as the name of the temperature scale.
Gradians are principally used in surveying (especially in Europe), and to a lesser extent in mining and geology.
As of May 2020, the gon is officially a legal unit of measurement in the European Union: 9 and in Switzerland.
The gradian is not part of the International System of Units (SI).: 9–10