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How to Find an Arc Length

Although it may not seem intricate, he circle is a complex shape associated with various angles and sectors. Each angle corresponds to a certain portion of the circle known as a "sector" and in their entirety form a 360-degree circle. The arc of a circle refers to a continuous portion of the circle which contains two end points. Essentially, a sector forms an arc at its widest points around the circumference of the circle. You can find the length of this arc with the use of relatively simple calculations and formulas.

Calculator
Pencil
Paper
Ruler or measuring tape
Protractor

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the diameter of the circle. Use a ruler or measuring tape to get an accurate reading.
- 2
  Divide the diameter of the circle by two to obtain the radius.
- 3
  Obtain the central angle of the circle with a protractor. Place the "0" line on one end of the angle and record the value on a sheet of paper.
- 4
  Divide the value obtained from the central angle by 360 to determine the fraction of the circle represented.
- 5
  Obtain the circumference of the circle with the formula "2 x radius x pi." Multiply the radius by two and the corresponding result by the value for pi.
- 6
  Multiply the circumference by the value obtained in Step 3 for the fraction of the circle being used. This final value represents the arc length.

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