How To Determine The Diameter Of A Circle

A circle is the set of all points in a plane that are a fixed distance from a fixed point. The fixed distance is called the radius, and the fixed point is called the center of the circle. The diameter of a circle is any line segment that passes through the center of the circle and has its endpoints on the circle. You can easily find the diameter of a circle if you know its radius or circumference.

1. Note the Radius

The radius is the fixed distance from the center of a circle to any point on its circumference. Record the radius of the circle

2. Multiply Radius by Two

The radius of a circle always equals half of its diameter, so to find the diameter, multiply the radius by two. For example, if you know the radius of a circle is 4 centimeters, work out

\(4 × 2 = 8\)

The diameter of the circle is 8 centimeters.

1. Note the Formula

The formula to find the circumference of a circle is

\(C = πd\)

In other words, the diameter multiplied by pi equals the circumference.

2. Remember Pi is a Constant

Pi, a never-ending string of numbers, is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. This ratio stays the same no matter how big or small it is. For ease of use, pi is commonly shortened to 3.14.

3. Divide Circumference by Pi Constant

If you know the circumference of a circle is 20 centimeters, work out

\(\frac{20}{3.14} = 6.37\)

The diameter of the circle is 6.37 centimeters.