How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?

The circumference of a circle is often needed in school and worries many students. In this article you will easily learn how to calculate the circumference.

Explanation

Definition

The circumference of a circle describes the length of the circular line, i.e. the distance you cover when you walk once around the circle. The formula for the circumference of a circle is:

U = 2 \cdot \pi \cdot r

Procedure

Scheme

To calculate the circumference of a circle, you need the radius (r) or the diameter (d). If you have been given the diameter, first divide it by 2 to get the radius. Then you put the radius into the circle circumference formula and calculate.

U = 2 \cdot \pi \cdot r

Examples

Calculate the circumference of a circle with radius r = 3\,\text{cm}.

Substitute the radius into the formula: U = 2 \cdot \pi \cdot 3 = 18.85\,\text{cm}.

Calculate the circumference of a circle with diameter d = 12\,\text{cm}.

First determine the radius: r = 12 : 2 = 6\,\text{cm}. Then calculate the circumference: U = 2 \cdot \pi \cdot 6 = 37.70\,\text{cm}.

Note

Summary
  • The formula for the circumference of a circle is: U = 2 \cdot \pi \cdot r.
  • Pay attention to whether radius or diameter is given. The radius is always half the diameter.

Exercises

1 / 3
Calculate the circumference of a circle with radius
r = 4\,\text{cm}
2 / 3
A circle has a diameter of
d = 20\,\text{cm}. What is the circumference?
3 / 3
A bicycle tire has a diameter of
d = 70\,\text{cm}. What is the circumference of the tire?
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