How to Draw an Accurate Ellipse

An ellipse is a geometric shape that is more or less a long circle. The geometrical definition of an ellipse is a circular shape in which the distance of any two points on the circle to any two points inside the circle are exactly the same. We will use that concept to draw our accurate ellipse. Grab a few supplies and get ready to draw.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Two toothpicks
• Pen or pencil
• String

Instructions

1. Lay a piece of paper flat on a table. Stab the paper with two toothpicks at least four inches apart.

2. Get the string ready. Cut a piece of string at least 10 inches long and tie the ends together. This will be the piece that will ensure the accuracy of the ellipse.

3. Place the tied piece of string around the two toothpicks. The string should be loose.

4. Set up your pen or pencil. Place your pen or pencil inside the piece of tied string and pull it out as far as you can on the piece of paper, causing the string to pull taut.

5. Put the tip of your pen or pencil on the paper to begin drawing your ellipse. Keeping the string pulled taut, move the writing instrument all the way around the two toothpicks and draw an ellipse. The result will be an accurate ellipse because the distance of any two points on the figure to the two points in the center of the ellipse are exactly the same.