How to Draw a Perfect Star

There are several easy ways to draw simple, basic, stars. Drawing one that is perfectly symmetrical can be tricky, however. You may find that you can't get the size or angles right. All you need to rectify this is a compass, a ruler, and a little practice.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Compass
• Pencil
• Scissors

Instructions

Draw an Isosceles Triangle

1. Use a ruler and a pencil to draw two straight lines of different lengths (one line longer than the other). Once you have done this, put two dots on the two ends of the shorter line to indicate points. If you want, you can name them "point 1" and "point 2."

2. Place one end of your compass on point 1 and the other end on point 2. Once you have done this, set your compass so it doesn't move.

3. Make a dot somewhere else on the piece of paper. This will eventually become one of the corners of your triangle. Call this "Dot A." Put the metal end of the compass on that dot and set the other end of compass down on the paper. Once you have done this, draw a small arc with your compass.

4. Draw a straight line from Dot A to the center of the arc you drew in step 3. You can estimate where the center, is as you'll be cutting out the triangle. Use a ruler when making this line to ensure it is indeed straight. Make a point at the end of this line and call it "Dot B" (this is the point opposite Dot A).

5. Repeat step 2, this time using the longer line you drew in step 1. Remember to set your compass so it won't move.

6. Place the metal end of your compass on Dot A and the pencil part above the base line of the triangle. Draw an arc, and then place the metal end of the compass on Dot B and draw another mark. You will notice that the arcs overlap with one another at a point. Call the point "Dot C."

7. Use your ruler and pencil to draw a straight line from Dot A to Dot C and from Dot B to Dot C. This completes your isosceles triangle.

8. Use your scissors to cut out the triangle. It will serve as a stencil for your perfect star.

Draw the Star

1. Place the triangle down on your paper so the small point of the triangle faces the top of the paper.

2. Trace the two legs (or the upside down "V") of the triangle.

3. Place your finger on the bottom right corner of the triangle. (It will act as a pivot when you shift the triangle.)

4. Rotate the triangle until the point is perpendicular with the point created by the upside down V you drew in step 2.

5. Trace the legs of the triangle again. This V should now be perpendicular with the first one.

6. Repeat steps 3 to 6 to draw the third V of your star. This V should be perpendicular with previous V. Do this again for the fourth and final V of your star. This creates five Vs that are all the same size and shape, and your star has five angles that are equal to one another.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure about drawing the isosceles triangle, print one from your computer (see Resources).

Resources

• Isosceles Triangle
• Isosceles Triangle
• Isosceles Triangle
• Isosceles Triangle