How to Use a Protractor

A protractor is a tool that allows you to measure an angle or construct an angle of a given measure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Protractors
• Notebook Papers
• Pencils And Erasers

To Measure an Angle

1. Find the center hole on the straight edge of the protractor.
2. Place the hole over the vertex, or point, of the angle you wish to measure.
3. Line up the zero on the straight edge of the protractor with one of the sides of the angle.
4. Find the point where the second side of the angle intersects the curved edge of the protractor.
5. Read the number that is written on the protractor at the point of intersection. This is the measure of the angle in degrees.

To Construct an Angle

6. Use the straight edge of the protractor to draw a straight line. This line will form one side of your angle.
7. Find the center hole on the straight edge of the protractor.
8. Place the hole over one end point of the line you have drawn.
9. Line up the zero on the straight edge of the protractor with the line.
10. Make a mark at the number on the curved edge of the protractor that corresponds to the desired measure of your angle. For example, mark at 90 for a 90-degree angle.
11. Use the straight edge of the protractor to connect the mark to the end point of the first line, forming an angle.

Tips & Warnings

• There are 360 degrees in a circle.
• A straight line measures 180 degrees.
• The corner of a square measures 90 degrees. This is called a right angle.
• Angles that measure fewer than 90 degrees are called acute angles. Those measuring more than 90 degrees are called obtuse angles.