It seems like a pretty simple task, doesn’t it? I bet a lot of people (myself included) are confident that they can eyeball a good center point. But eyeballing isn’t exact and sometimes you need to be exact. So how does one find an exact center on an existing circle? It’s actually not very difficult and there are multiple ways to do it. Here are a few of the simplest methods.

Method 1: Chords

First, let’s define a “chord.” A chord is any straight line whose endpoints are both on a circle. (The infinite line extension of a chord is called the secant line. Not relevant for this, but something to know.) This method is probably the simplest.

Start by drawing a chord through your circle anywhere. Using a ruler, measure the chord and find its exact center point. Draw a perpendicular line there. Repeat the process elsewhere within the circle. The point where both of your perpendicular lines meet is your center. You can repeat the process as many times as you’d like to be absolutely on point.

Method 2: Framing Square

The second method will involve using a carpenter’s square, also called a framing square. If you don’t have one, you can use anything with a perfect 90 degree angle, even a sheet of paper. You’ll want something like a ruler for drawing your lines perfectly straight, though.

Draw an “L” shape, making sure that all of your points intersect the circle. Using your square, draw a third line parallel to one of lines you already drew. You should end up with a square that only has 3 sides drawn. Draw an “X” within your makeshift box, where each line intersects your circle, and the point at which the two lines intersect will be your center.

Method 3: Framing Square + Ruler

If you have both a framing square and a ruler, this is one of the fastest ways to find your center. Place the square so that the corner is on the edge of your circle. Lay your ruler over the square, lining up the edge of the ruler with the two other points that the square touches the circle. Draw your line. Rotate the square and repeat.

Method 4: Framing Square and Speed Square

This method will likely be your fastest if you happen to have both tools available. Lay your framing square along the OUTSIDE of the circle this time. Line your speed square (triangle) up over the longer side of your framing square and make sure the angle of your speed square (triangle) is right on the corner of your framing square. Draw a line. Rotate and repeat.

Which method are you going to try out for your next project?

Tools for helping you find the center of a circle:

Ruler
Framing Square
Speed Square

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