Arc Length
What is an Arc?
An arc is a part of the circumference of a circle. It represents the curved path between two points on the edge of the circle.
- Arcs can be short, i.e. less than 180°, or long, i.e. greater than 180°.
- The length of an arc depends on the radius of the circle and the angle subtended by the arc at the centre.
- It is measured in linear units like centimeters, meters, inches and more.
Arc Length Formula
The arc length (L) of a circle is calculated using its radius (r) and the central angle (θ).
If Angle in Radians:
L = θ (in radians) × r
- The calculator converts degrees to radians before applying this formula.
- Conversion: Radians = Degrees × (π / 180)
If Angle in Degrees:
L = (θ (in degrees) / 360) × 2 × π × r
Use Cases
- Manufactoring: Applicable for curved materials such as pipe, sheet metal and other circular components.
- Surveying: It is used in measuring curved roads, railway tracks, boundaries, etc.
- Physics: To calculate distance of any object travels along a circular path.
- Graphics & Games: Also, useful for circular animations, curved UI elements, and more.
