How to Make a 7 Point Star

A geometric shape created from a seven-point star

Make a star with a protractor and some simple math. To determine the position of each star point, simply divide 360---the number of degrees in a circle---by the number of points. In this case, 360 divided by 7 is 51.42857142857. Because it does not divide evenly, we will need to round the number down to 51. Each star point will be 51 degrees from the points on either side.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper
• Protractor
• Compass
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Determine the center point and overall size of the star. Draw a dot on the paper where you would like the center point to be. Draw a circle that is the diameter you would like the star to be using a compass set to the radius, or half the diameter. For example, if you would like a 5-inch star, open the compass 2 ½ inches. Draw a second circle, half the diameter of the first from the same center point. You will now have two concentric circles.

2. Use a ruler to draw a line from the center point straight up at 0 degrees to the outer circle. This is your first star point. Number each star point with a pencil as you go. Place the protractor on the center point with the first line on 0 degrees. Measure 51 degrees and mark it on the outer circle with a pencil. Use the ruler to draw a straight line from the center point to the mark you just made on the outer circle. This is your second point.

3. Place the protractor on the center point with the second point at 0 degrees. Mark 51 degrees from this point on the circle. Draw a line using the ruler from the center point to the mark on the circle creating your third point. Continue around the circle in this way until you have seven points. It will look much like and asterisk with seven arms instead of six, all numbered.

4. Place the protractor so that 0 degrees is on the first star point and measure 25.5 degrees. Mark this on the inner circle this time. This divides the angle between the first and second star points in half. Label this A.

5. Place the protractor so that 0 degrees is at point A and measure 51 degrees and mark this on the inner circle. Label this B. Continue around the star until you have divided all the spaces between the points in half. You should have A to G labeled on the inner circle.

6. Use the ruler to draw a straight line from point 1 to point A. Then draw a line from point A to point 2. You will have a V shape between the first and second points. Continue drawing lines between the points in this way until you have filled in all of them, which will end with the connection of point G to point 1.

References

• How to Draw a Star
• Easy Drawings and Sketches