Hyperbolic Cosine Calculator (cosh)

cosh(x) = (eˣ + e⁻ˣ) / 2. Catenary curve: y = a · cosh(x/a).

Inputs

Result

cosh(x)
1.54308063
(e^1 + e^-1) / 2 = (2.7183 + 0.3679) / 2.
  • x1
  • 2.71828183
  • e⁻ˣ0.36787944
  • cosh(x)1.5430806348
  • sinh(x)1.1752011936
  • tanh(x)0.7615941560

Step-by-step

  1. eˣ = 2.718282.
  2. e⁻ˣ = 0.367879.
  3. cosh(x) = (eˣ + e⁻ˣ) / 2 = 1.543081.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter x.
  • Read cosh(x) + companion sinh, tanh.

About this calculator

Hyperbolic cosine: cosh(x) = (eˣ + e⁻ˣ) / 2. Even function: cosh(−x) = cosh(x). Always ≥ 1 (minimum at x = 0). The catenary curve y = a·cosh(x/a) is the natural shape of a chain or cable hanging under gravity — and is famously different from a parabola, even though they look similar. Used in architecture (St. Louis Gateway Arch), suspension cable design.

Frequently asked

Both look like U shapes, but catenary y = cosh(x) has different curvature. The Gateway Arch is an inverted (weighted) catenary.

Related calculators