Basic trig ratio

Published by Naitik Mehta · March 30, 2026

Stuck on the clue Basic trig ratio from the New York Times Daily for March 30, 2026? We have the correct 4-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?

Clue

Basic trig ratio (4)

Answer

S
I
N
E

The answer to Basic trig ratio is Sine (4 letters).

Why does Sine fit this clue?

This is a direct definition clue where 'Basic trig ratio' points to SINE, one of the fundamental trigonometric functions. Sine is the ratio of the length of the side opposite an angle to the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle. Along with cosine and tangent, sine forms the trio of primary trigonometric ratios taught in basic trigonometry courses. The word 'basic' in the clue emphasizes that sine is among the most elementary and essential concepts students encounter when learning trigonometry.

What does Basic trig ratio mean?

We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.

trig

noun

•short form of trigonometry, the branch of mathematics dealing with triangles and angles

ratio

noun

•a comparison of two quantities showing how many times one contains the other

Where did this clue appear?

This clue appeared as 18-down in the New York Times Daily on March 30, 2026, by Gary Cee, edited by Will Shortz. See all answers for this puzzle.

Read the NYT Wordplay column for this puzzle.

NYT Daily — Mar 30, 2026

Get help on the whole puzzle

What does Sine mean?

noun

•In a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the side opposite an angle to the length of the hypotenuse.

Origin of the word Sine

•origin: Arabic jayb

•period: 12th century

The word entered Latin as 'sinus' through a mistranslation where the Arabic word 'jayb' (meaning fold or pocket) was confused with 'jaib' (meaning bay or inlet), leading to the Latin 'sinus' meaning bay or curve.

How to use Sine in a sentence

Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Sine.

•“The sine is one of the three basic trig ratios that students learn first in trigonometry class.”

•“To find the height of the tower, we need to calculate the sine of the 30-degree angle.”

•“The sine function creates a smooth wave pattern that oscillates between -1 and 1.”

What are other crossword clues for Sine?

Learn about related clues

All clues from the New York Times Daily, Mar 30, 2026 crossword

The New York Times Daily for March 30, 2026 was published by Gary Cee and has 78 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.

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Frequently asked questions about Basic trig ratio

What is the answer to Basic trig ratio?
The answer is Sine (4 letters).
Where did this clue appear?
This clue was last seen in the New York Times Daily on March 30, 2026.
How many letters does the answer to Basic trig ratio have?
The answer has 4 letters: Sine.

Author

Naitik Mehta

Naitik Mehta

Co-founder

Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.