How to Use 3.14 to Find the Distance Around a Figure

The pi symbol stands for approximately 3.14.

The number 3.14159265, often rounded to 3.14, is pi. It is a constant number used in mathematics, science and engineering. However, pi is probably most commonly used to determine the circumference of a circle. The circumference of a circle is simply the total distance around the figure. By multiplying 3.14 times the diameter of the circle, you can easily calculate the distance around any circle.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler

Instructions

1. Start with the equation C = Pi x d, where C is the distance around the figure, pi is 3.14 and d is the measured diameter of the circle.

2. Measure the diameter of the circle using a ruler. The diameter is the length of a line that goes through the center of the circle and whose endpoints are on the circle.

3. Multiply 3.14 by the length of the diameter.

4. The number that results gives you the distance around your circle in whatever unit you measured the diameter. For example, a circle with a diameter of 5 inches has a circumference of 15.7 inches (3.14 x 5 = 15.7).

Tips & Warnings

• Note that this equation only determines the distance around a circle. To determine the distance around another shape, or perimeter, you simply add the measurements of each side.

References

• Math: Perimeter Formulas

Resources

• Math Forum: Circle