Find the Center of a Circle (3 EASY and QUICK Ways)

[@Brian-hx9wy]

How I love KZbin for this very reason! Just doing some DIY projects and this helped tremendously. I’d like to vote for the second example lol seems easiest with less work and fastest. Great video 👍👍👍👍

[@carmengarciacarmengarcia828]

Lwssññsñqñs

[@bleeke69]

I like the second. I never took geometry so my mind is blown on 2. Extremely useful, all i need to do is remember it in the future. Thank you.

[@mikeg6064]

These demonstrations are excellent! You made them so easy to follow and understand. Thanks for your effort and for sharing them. I really appreciate it.

[@monadamus42]

Pop through time-space into space-time, realize you are the circle, you are the center. Come back, share what you learned, get crucified. Take a nap, etc. Great video, very helpful and I love that you tried all the suggestions from the audience. A golden age of entertainment and education we live in.

[@samsungtv4u]

Dude thats .... deep...... :) are you weaving hemp baskets all day long ??how do you even come up with this.. :)

[@samsungtv4u]

Technically if you are the center of the universe and you place the circle exactly between your axes and a mirror draw a line across then rotate the circle at it axis 137.5 degrees in accordance to the fibonacci sequence then draw one more line you will have the center of the circle ....

[@SkengManNZ]

Clown

[@jimclark6256]

The 3rd method is the quickest and easiest, it's the one I always use. I'm not trying to impress anyone with needless geometry skills. Great infom on all 3.

[@kathys8899]

Thanks for explaining and showing this with the paper or saying anything with a 90 degree angle. It sounds simple, but it seems like we forget all about angles of items and such when we need to remember. You explain things well and that means a lot coming from a special ed teacher.

[@TomahawkDIY]

You're very welcome! Happy to hear that

[@knoxscoop]

Perfect. I'm getting ready to make spinning tops. I don't want them to wobble. The paper template idea is perfect.

[@TomahawkDIY]

Have fun!

[@justaredpenguin784]

here's a very simple solution: draw a straight line between any two points on the circle, find the line's center point and draw a line (again, from edge to edge) through that midpoint that is perpendicular to the original line. The new line is a diameter and its midpoint is the center of the circle.

[@joaovianna7321]

Wow, that is really easy and precise.

[@mr2octavio]

@@joaovianna7321 thanks algebra

[@zioxei]

@Lance Bermudez No, this one involves drawing only two lines

[@joeywatch1145]

@@zioxei His third chord in the video is superfluous. It only requires two. The third is a control to help mitigate stacking inaccuracies.

[@jesuspineirosanchez7814]

@@joeywatch1145 What you call the third line is actually the sixth line drawn. Lifulo is right

[@shakuntalawagh5802]

All the 3 ways are best . I liked the 2nd way the most. Thank u so much.

[@Tiny_Island_Designs]

The 3rd one works best for my project because I have 5 circles to find the center of. Thank you!

[@thomask4836]

I just came back to review your video. I cannot thank you enough! I really like the second chord method!

[@robertemerick6798]

I measure from a outside point of the circle and find the largest measurement to find the diameter. Mark it then repeat in a different spot. Where they intersect is the center. You can do three to check your center.

[@sharit7970]

I like this method!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@gavinmaloney6773]

Genius 🤩 Thanks for sharing. As well as to the smart contributors 🏆

[@TomahawkDIY]

Happy to help!

[@thehomelesstrucky]

Cutting holes in the ends of a water drum to make a tumbling composter, this helped a lot, thanks, probably use the second method.

[@TomahawkDIY]

Glad it helped!

[@xBris]

Person suggesting the third method comments "MUCH easier" - method takes by far the longest. Great. Thanks for the upper case MUCH.

[@watchingsomevideos]

Thank you, I'll be using 2 of these methods to find the center of a 24" round board and to align a Lazy Susan Swivel Plate.

[@cynthiahicks1909]

I would just trace around a piece of paper and then fold it twice.

[@YcartOniuqa]

Real quick!😂

[@plsbanhackers9031]

This is the real answer right here 😂

[@watnoudan]

I'm sure that's helpful if you need the middle for a huge table top. I'll just fold it in half

[@DesignsByGaddis]

Thank you so much! I think I will be using the paper folding method. Been trying to figure this out for a while!

[@michaelheath76901]

I'm in the middle of a project, and this is a problem I'm facing soon. The 3 solutions you shared make sense, and doing this no longer seems so daunting. Thanks for your help.

[@jdog4534]

I like the second way. It can be done with the straight edge of a piece of paper, cut to length of chord and fold in half for center and use 90° corner or strike arcs from points that are equal distance from both sides of center that are longer than that distance, strike them over centerline. Where they intersect will connect to centerline perpendicular to chord. If you have the space, strike arcs from each end of chord that are longer than half the length of chord. Strike them on both sides of chord. Connect the two points of intersection, through the chord. That line segment will be perpendicular to chord AND divide it in half. Maybe a combination of methods 2 and 3 where you lay it out and make a template, but using more geometry and less origami.. Lol great tricks. All three have their merit.

[@strikerj4810]

1st way was definitely easier

[@Dr.Scorpio]

Great video and very precise and informative Thank you.

[@TomahawkDIY]

Thank you! We're happy to hear you found it helpful

[@rouxso5124]

very informative and very easy instructions good video, i now have this in my memory bank Thanks

[@pianoman173]

Awesome video! I love how you took everybody’s comments and suggestions, tested them all out and found the best solutions, along with shouting out each contributor. THIS is how the internet/KZbin should be, showcasing the best of everybody’s collective ideas, not just one person showing everyone how THEY think it should be done.

[@mrueid]

2nd method... you saved my day !!! Thank you BOSS

[@glitterkitty1979]

These are great. The template method is my fave

[@atomicdynamo6062]

Very nice. Thank you for that. The best ones are 1 and 2. The 3rd is ok but depending on the size of your circle you have to cut a new template everytime.

[@TomahawkDIY]

Thanks for sharing!

[@serenahiggins1849]

Thank you so much. I have a concepts of engineering class and the project right now is to design blades for a wind turbine. It is a small scale thing and they provide the generator. I need a way to connect the blades to the axle. I have a wooden dowel that I have cut little wheels out of. I just need a hole in the center. Thank you so much!

[@TomahawkDIY]

Hi Serena, you're very much welcome. I'm glad you find it helpful

[@serenahiggins1849]

@@TomahawkDIY Yeah. Since I’m working with wood of little more than an inch in diameter, the paper template seems to be the best. Thanks so much!

[@cristo2241]

thank you. The third method was the best for my situation

[@edibleelegancecakestudio]

I love you!! Thank you so much! I was having a hard time.

[@TomahawkDIY]

Glad I could help!

[@armorvestrus4119]

Very useful information, better than just entertainment channels.

[@outdoorzone]

Awesome technique! Paper template seems easiest of the 3! Thx

[@TripReviews]

I was taught to use a compass set at the radius and draw two arcs in the centre and where they cross you’ll find the centre. Something like that, it’s been over 50 years since I was taught this in geometry class.

[@bwalyasapwe3397]

This video deserves a thousand likes

[@Bob-wo1kr]

I always use the third method. It is much easy. I sew to sell and sometimes I fold the fabric circle and iron it to find the centre of my circle.

[@TomahawkDIY]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mr.shannon6137]

Built log homes 10+ years. Use torpedo and draw verticle down side 4,5, or 6 inches whatever works as long as it easily divides in two. Mark center of that line and use level to draw horizontal line threw it. Measure it and mark at halfway. Use level to draw verticle center line. You have center of log, and the needed vertical and horizontal center point of log. This is for anti-symmetrical handcrafted logs, turned logs are much easier.

[@andrealumsden2321]

wonderful I used the last one. So easy 🙂 Thank You

[@TomahawkDIY]

You're welcome 😊

[@donnyh3497]

Thanks for the video! I love to see and compare clever ideas

[@Reloadeez]

Take sheet of paper that's shorter then the circles diameter, fold the paper perfectly in half and crease it good. Now unfold the paper and set it so both bottom corners exactly touch the outside of the circle, mark a little dot on the circle at the end of the crease toward the outside edge of the circle, do the same on the other end towards the center. Line those two dots up with a ruler and draw a line. Turn the circle 120 degrees or so, doesn't have to be perfect, and repeat the dots and line again with the creased paper, where those two lines intersect is the exact dead on balls center.

[@jessicalee7119]

🙌 Thank you so much! The paper template is perfect for me! I'm creating an art piece and can't put any obvious marks on the wood I'm using. ☮💜

[@TomahawkDIY]

Wonderful! Thank you so much for watching!

[@firdausravindar977]

Thanks bro for sharing this valuable knowledge on KZbin.😊😊😊

[@Goalsplus]

Your practical demonstration is much better than a drawing.

[@emtffzartman666]

Perfect! Helped me with my project!

[@theguywitheyebrows]

the center of three lines trick is great!! thanks!!

[@watnoudan]

2:20 (2nd option) is the best if you deal with big circle (like a table top)

[@redgeminiarts3674]

Thank you for sharing. They were all useful.

[@y2ksw1]

The best way I know is to use a special square which touches right the extents of the circle. The square has another staff at exactly 45 degrees, and you mark on it a short line close to the center and turn the circle a bit and repeat. I believe this method was found by Euclid ages ago.

[@thetessellater9163]

Yes, we made an engineers variant in school metalwork, c. 1972, UK. Using 4 or 5 mm mild steel or brass sheet, make a three-quarter pie shape, with dead square cut out quarter, fix another (long, triangular is neatest) piece to it bisecting the 90 degrees, obviously at 45. We did this by 'secret rivetting' - the thing we were being assessed on. (Thank you Mr Payne). You can use this to find the centre of a cylinder end or round bar too. Good ideas here and useful if accuracy isn't paramount! And yeah, get millimetres - but then you'll spell it wrongly!

[@rifleman1873]

My preferred method also. Any carpenter or woodworker has two squares, on of them with a 45. Just overlay the 2 squares and you have the tool to use the method you describe.

[@jaimevalencia5548]

You made my day man! Many, many thanks.

[@nealdo132]

If you can draw on the surface surrounding the circle you can make any angle with lines tangent to the circle and bisect it with another line then clock it and do it again. Where the bisecting lines cross is the center.

[@ehvway]

I always used the third method. Now I will use the 1st and especially the second method! Thanks for sharing Sir!

[@jennifereverett6298]

Using your ideas, I moved a ruler up and down near the center line to find the widest point, took that measurement, and drew a line. I then did another cross line of the same length. The intersection was the center.

[@jonhunt5408]

Take a compass, set any length that is less than the radius of the circle, now place the point anywhere on the edge of the circle and scribe an arc in the circle. Do this four times, the points from which you do it do not have to be exactly opposite just roughly, at the points where the arcs intersect, (you should have four) draw lines that pass through opposite points, where these lines intersect is the centre. This works even for circles where you can’t make a template, where a square won’t fit, etc.

[@dennisdownes9319]

I just used the fold method for a large lazy susan build........It worked out great ...thanks!!!

[@kiliankiel3844]

nice work - thanks for sharing!

[@seanh69]

Example 2 is just what I need to re-find the center of my 20 foot round pool pad so I can do the final leveling. Thank you.

[@ecaff9515]

Excellent video and a great process

[@kmcg101]

I recently had to find the center of about 20 wood circles. I had cut a 2" dowel into 20 segments and wanted to drill a hole in the center of each. In Photoshop I created a 2 inch circle with 2 90 degree radii (crosshair) and printed it out. I cut out the circle, placed it over the dowel, held it up to a light to make sure it was centered, and poked through the crosshair into the dowel with an awl.

[@davidsirmons]

I figured out two ways to do this just now by thinking about it. Use a compass, open it to what appears to be a decent amount wider than what the center of a circle would be, set 1 compass point at the outer perimeter of the circle, they carefully draw an arc. Do that at 2 more points afterward. They look for the co-created convex shapes created, draw a line joining them, and you have center. Another way is to box the circle in with a framing square. Go in a linear perimeter by drawing upper right, then upper left, then lower left, then lower right (or whichever direction you wish so long as you keep right angles). Then simply connect the 4 box corners.

[@jsimo1431]

on the last one if you leave the fold in the 1/4 shape and line it up on the circle, the point of the fold will point right at the center

[@johndi1962]

Awesome video much more accurate then eyeballing it. Saves for next time.

[@lyteyearz5810]

Perfect! Thank you and everyone else so much!

[@johncaruso3824]

Very helpful video. Thank you.

[@jackjax532]

You are a very kind person my friend. Thanks for the video.

[@erichighberger6553]

Hey - thanks for your video - I'll use the last method now!

[@robertemmons2260]

The cord method is best for many contractors as that they will most likely have a Swanson speed square in their toolbelt. Although I myself am not a contractor, this is the method that I use for my DIY projects that require a center point in a round object, such as wood, metal, plastic, or even foamboard.

[@mozimzim]

Great video! I needed it!!

[@jorgematheus4845]

Saludos, excelente explicación. Me ha sido muy útil tu video!... Un abrazo desde Venezuela

[@swordoff7]

Jorge Matheus, Si, la explicacion es sencilla. Espero que esta bien y con buena salud en Venezuela. Saludos de California.

[@ssingh7990]

Super!! I loved third one.

[@muzmuzaffamuz8421]

The last method is easy and fast compare to other method, I prefer the paper folding method. Thank great idea

[@larryr5420]

Good useful info. Thanks for making video

[@TomahawkDIY]

So nice of you, thank you!

[@factsoverfeelings79]

Excellent methods. Ty for this

[@TomahawkDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anthonypeterson5618]

Use a compass. Divide diameter length by 2. Set compass to that half length and score from various points (at least 3 pointers) on the circumference.

[@azizulazmi2814]

I love method number 3, since I need to get center of a small circle.❤

[@TomahawkDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@TrieuNguyen-mn8bq]

Good teaching! Thanks

[@TomahawkDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@3dw3dw]

I've had great success using a compass. I measure the diameter then set compass to half the diameter. Set the compass on the edge and draw a small arc. Move compass to a second point close to 90 degrees from first point and draw a second arc. The point where the 2 arcs intersect is center. It doesn't matter how far the 2nd arc is from the first, but if it is somewhere near 90 degrees they will cross more perpendicularly and give you better precision. If you don't have a compass, you can use a piece of string and a paperclip and a pencil.

[@Kweesh]

3dw3dw How can you measure the diameter if the center point is unknown?!

[@3dw3dw]

Parrish Westenberg you do have a compass, or you wouldn't be attempting this method. Place the point of the compass on the perimeter and adjust until the arc you draw intersects at the perimeter opposite the center and measure your compass and divide by 2. That gives you radius. 2 arcs at radius from perimeter at 90 degrees from each other will cross in the center. You can do three arc from 120 degree interval for a bit of error checking.

[@lagurichardluke8515]

Thanks For me I draw a square along the outer edge of the circle, then connect each opposite corners, where the two lines meet on the circle is the center

[@michaelkassel5816]

Love the template method!

[@TomahawkDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Hammocksandhikes]

Nicely done!

[@s1udgeguts]

You have a framing square (you can even make a quick one by simply placing a ruler on the edge of a sheet of card, drawing a line, place the ruler on an adjoining edge, draw another line then cut out the L shape to give you a square). Place the square so the sides touch the outer edge of the circle. Place a ruler onto the square so an edge of the ruler touches the outer point and inner point of the square (a 45deg angle). Draw a line on your circle. Move the square around - even an inch or so is fine - and do the same again. Where the lines intersect, there is your centre. Repeat the process with another line if you wish to check.

[@wesmatron]

If it is a circle in real-life and not just a diagram just hang it from on point on the circumference and draw a line straight down (you can use a plumb line) and then repeat from a different point on the circumference. Where the lines cross is the centre. You can also use this to find the centre-of-gravity of a 2D shape.

[@dlwatib]

If you use a caliper you can measure the diameter of the circle and divide it in half to get the radius. Set a compass to the radius and draw two arcs centered at two different points on the edge. The two arcs will intersect at the center of the circle. If you don't have either a caliper or a compass you can substitute a ruler. When using a ruler instead of a caliper, be sure to measure across the circle where it is the largest. If you can adjust the ruler a bit one way or the other and get a larger measure, use that measure. When using a ruler instead of a compass, measure in from the edge perpendicular to the edge and mark off the radius. Do this from two points on the edge and the two marks should cross at the center if you were close enough to perpendicular.

[@hankpostma5856]

Take a tape measure , put it on the edge, sweep it across the circle, find the diameter . Once you do stop and mark radius . Your done !

[@daryllect6659]

Very cool! Thanks!

[@troylee3700]

Second method suits me, thanks for sharing

[@TomahawkDIY]

You're welcome 😊

[@ghidrah8662]

Assuming you have a framing square, a simpler way would be to hook a tape measure slide it back and forth to find the longest diameter then lay framing square flat on table lay disk flat then slide up to inside corner of tongue and blade to mark, e.g. (6" diameter = 3" radius) Mark disk at 3" on tongue and blade then rotate disk 90° so only 1 mark is at 3 and then mark new 3. Do this 3 times to have 4 marks at 90° intervals then scribe line through opposing marks for center.

[@katsu-graphics5634]

Pick a coffee cup or round object , Approx 3/4 of the disk diameter, and set on disk with cup rim starting on the disk edge. . .Trace around cup / draw circle. . .Repeat 2nd circle . from opposite side, you will draw a "Fish mouth" shape. . . where the circles meet (two places, nose and tail) draw a centerline the length of the fish . . . draw a 3rd circle (same size) at another random point on the disk perimeter. . connected the intersections with another line . . Similar to your 2nd version with chords. keep adding circles and they will all locate true.

[@owenprince4823]

Measure the diameter with calipers. Divide to find the radius and set your compass to the radius. Draw arcs from the edge and the arcs will find the center where they cross in the middle.

[@alaskamike3577]

Wonderful tutorial. Great editing and video work. Now I know how to do this. Much Thanks.

[@nezarmahmoud7728]

Thank you so much

[@brianbanks3044]

i like the folding the circle in qtrs and cut a hole in it.....pretty simple and not a lot of tools

[@marmadukewinterbotham2599]

I need to find the centre of some wooden drawer knobs, the last method looks the only viable one. Thanks.

[@KonstantinBuinov]

Like the method #1 but with less efforts: draw any right-angle trianlge, its vertices lay at the circle, middle point of hypotenuse is the center. To do that place your right angle tool any way at the circle to have its angle point laying at the circle, draw two legs sides, then connect ends of legs to draw hypotenuse, using ruler find its middle point and that will be the circle center. It's not necessary to make two legs equal like in method #1, they can be different but this method will work.

[@donalddluckerii3147]

One way I find center of a circle when on the jobsite is to find the diameter of the circle with a tape measure ( hold the zero end of the tape on a point on the outside of the circle and move the other end until you hit the largest measurement. ) and make a line, then turn the circle 90 degrees and find that diameter, then the intersection is your center.

[@tonyvtech25]

Donald D Lucker II YOU RIGHT. EASIEST WAY EVER. HE IS TRYING TO MAKE IT MORE COMPLICATED AND THEN CALL IT (EASY) HAHA

[@athenasword1]

Looking at a glance, square in the circle is my type thanks. Live and learn.

[@micronalpha]

Great video. I usually use method 2 but I think you slightly missed the point: we use 3 points on the circumference to make 2 non-parallel chords (if they are parallel we can't determine the centre).

[@TomahawkDIY]

Thanks for sharing!

[@h7opolo]

if your circle has enough depth (i.e. not drawn on paper), then another method is to merely use a (tailor's) measuring tape to measure the circumference. then you can divide by two to find the exact opposite points on the circle. connect the two points with a line over the circle's face and repeat with a 90 degree offset for the second set of points. where the lines intersect is the center.

[@ardemus]

Nestle the circle into your framing square. Mark the two contact points on the circle and square. Rotate the square so the marks line up but the angle of the square is inside the circle. The sides of the square are radii and they meet at the center of the circle. You can use the measurements on the square instead of marking anything if you prefer. Just line up the measurements on the square with the edge of the circle for the same result.

[@Mavrik9000]

Instructions unclear. What does "Rotate the square so the marks line up but the angle of the square is inside the circle" mean? Do you mean flip the square?

[@Moonshinedave1]

Thanks for the video. Of the three, I believe the first was my favorite, however if not having marks on your project is a factor, then the last would be the one.

[@sonnynguyen8012]

What a useful video. Thank you 👍

[@GuiltyPleasure72]

Awesome thanks! Now I can get back to my project. Number three is perfectly simple!

[@thomask4836]

Excellent video. Thank You Sir!