Triangular Numbers Calculator

Use our triangular numbers calculator to calculate triangular numbers instantly. Includes what is a triangular number, how do you get triangular numbers, the triangular number formula, examples, and how to determine if a number is a triangular number.

Number (n)
Enter n (a whole number, 1 or higher).
Results
The triangular number in position n=23 is: 276.
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What is a Triangular Number?

A triangular number is the total number of dots you can arrange in an equilateral triangle. It’s the sum of the first n natural numbers: 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n.

If you’re asking how do you get triangular numbers, you generate them by adding the next counting number each time: 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, ...

Triangular numbers appear in number patterns, counting problems, and sequences. This triangular numbers calculator finds the triangular number at position n quickly.

Triangular Number Formula

The nth triangular number is the sum of the first n integers. There’s also a closed-form triangular number formula that makes it fast to compute.

Triangular number (sum form) =
T_n = 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n

This is the definition of triangular numbers.

Triangular number formula =
T_n = n(n + 1) ÷ 2

This is the standard formula for triangular numbers.

n
= Position in the triangular number sequence (n ≥ 1)
T_n
= The nth triangular number
Calculate triangular numbers example
n = 7 → T_7 = 7·8/2 = 28

So the 7th triangular number is 28.

Triangular number sequence idea
T_(n+1) = T_n + (n + 1)

This helps explain how to find the next triangular number.

How to Use the Triangular Numbers Calculator

  1. 1

    Enter the position n in the triangular number sequence.

  2. 2

    The calculator uses the triangular number formula Tₙ = n(n + 1) / 2.

  3. 3

    Read the result as the triangular number at position n.

  4. 4

    To find the next triangular number, increase n by 1 and calculate again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a triangular number?

A triangular number is the sum of the first n natural numbers and represents dots that can form a triangle: Tₙ = 1 + 2 + ... + n.

How to calculate triangular number?

Use the triangular number formula: Tₙ = n(n + 1) / 2.

How do you get triangular numbers?

Start with 1 and keep adding the next integer: 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, ...

How to find a triangular number?

Pick n and compute Tₙ = n(n + 1) / 2, or build the sequence by cumulative sums.

How to find the next triangular number?

If you have Tₙ, then the next one is Tₙ + (n + 1). Example: T₅=15, so T₆=15+6=21.

How to solve triangular number sequence problems?

Look for the pattern of adding consecutive integers, or use Tₙ = n(n+1)/2 to jump directly to the nth term.

How to determine if a number is a triangular number?

A number x is triangular if 8x + 1 is a perfect square. If √(8x+1) is an integer, then x is a triangular number.

How many triangular numbers are there?

Infinitely many. For every n ≥ 1, there is a triangular number Tₙ.

What is the formula for triangular numbers?

Tₙ = n(n + 1) / 2.