Polar Coordinates Grapher

Plot rose curves, cardioids, spirals, lemniscates, and limaçons. Watch the curve trace out as θ sweeps from 0 to 2π.

Polar Curve

3.0
3

Properties

Curve--
Equation--
Shape--
Symmetry--
Max r--

The Math Behind It

Polar Coordinates

  • A point is described by (r, θ) — distance and angle
  • Conversion: x = r·cosθ, y = r·sinθ
  • Inverse: r = √(x² + y²), θ = atan2(y, x)
  • Curves are defined as r = f(θ)
  • As θ sweeps from 0 to 2π, the curve traces out

Common Polar Curves

  • Rose: r = a·cos(nθ) — n petals (n odd) or 2n petals (n even)
  • Cardioid: r = a(1 + cosθ) — heart-shaped
  • Lemniscate: r² = a²·cos(2θ) — figure-eight
  • Spiral: r = a·θ (Archimedean) — expands outward
  • Limaçon: r = a + b·cosθ — may have inner loop
  • Circle: r = a — constant radius