How to Calculate Pi
Make sure you are using a perfect circle., Measure the circumference of a circle as accurately as you can., Measure the diameter of the circle., Use the formula., For more accurate results, repeat this process with several different circles, and...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make sure you are using a perfect circle.
This method won't work with ellipses, ovals or anything but a real circle.
A circle is defined as all the points on a plane that are an equal distance from a single center point.
The lids of jars are good household objects to use for this exercise.You should be able to calculate pi roughly because in order to get exact results of pi, you will need to have a very thin lead(or whatever you are using).
Even the sharpest pencil graphite could be huge to have exact results. -
Step 2: Measure the circumference of a circle as accurately as you can.
The circumference is the length that goes around the entire edge of the circle.
Since the circumference is round, it can be difficult to measure (that's why pi is so important).
Lay a string over the circle as closely as you can.
Mark the string off where it circles back around, and then measure the string length with a ruler. , The diameter runs from one side of the circle to the other through the circle's center point. , The circumference of a circle is found with the formula C= π*d = 2*π*r.
Thus pi equals a circle's circumference divided by its diameter.
Plug your numbers into a calculator: the result should be roughly
3.14., Your measurements might not be perfect on any given circle, but over time they should average out to a pretty accurate calculation of pi. -
Step 3: Measure the diameter of the circle.
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Step 4: Use the formula.
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Step 5: For more accurate results
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Step 6: repeat this process with several different circles
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Step 7: and then average the results.
Detailed Guide
This method won't work with ellipses, ovals or anything but a real circle.
A circle is defined as all the points on a plane that are an equal distance from a single center point.
The lids of jars are good household objects to use for this exercise.You should be able to calculate pi roughly because in order to get exact results of pi, you will need to have a very thin lead(or whatever you are using).
Even the sharpest pencil graphite could be huge to have exact results.
The circumference is the length that goes around the entire edge of the circle.
Since the circumference is round, it can be difficult to measure (that's why pi is so important).
Lay a string over the circle as closely as you can.
Mark the string off where it circles back around, and then measure the string length with a ruler. , The diameter runs from one side of the circle to the other through the circle's center point. , The circumference of a circle is found with the formula C= π*d = 2*π*r.
Thus pi equals a circle's circumference divided by its diameter.
Plug your numbers into a calculator: the result should be roughly
3.14., Your measurements might not be perfect on any given circle, but over time they should average out to a pretty accurate calculation of pi.
About the Author
Carol Allen
Carol Allen specializes in lifestyle and practical guides and has been creating helpful content for over 2 years. Carol is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.
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