---
tag: 01QFQAQ2PA
kind: concept
name: Spherical coordinates
aliases: [spherical-coordinate-system, spherical-polar-coordinates]
msc: [51N20]
uses: [0XPR1E85W0, 0BSW4T7THS]
sources:
  - url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spherical_coordinate_system
    locator: Definition
  - url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spherical_coordinate_system
    locator: Conventions
same_as:
  wikidata: Q203218
  wikipedia: Spherical coordinate system
---

## Summary

Spherical coordinates describe a point of space by three numbers. They are its distance from the origin, the angle between its position vector and the positive $z$-axis, and an azimuth angle around the $z$-axis.
They simplify problems with symmetry about a point, such as integrals over balls.

## Remarks

The names and the order of the two angles differ between mathematics and physics texts. Each text must state its convention.