How to Draw a Circle Without a Compass: 6 Easy Methods

By KT Apps · Updated October 17, 2026

Radius, diameter and circumference

The radius is the distance from the centre to the edge. The diameter is twice the radius, straight across through the centre. The circumference, the distance all the way round, is 2 x pi x radius, where pi is about 3.14159.

So for a circle 20 cm across, the radius is 10 cm and the circumference is about 2 x 3.14159 x 10 = 62.8 cm. Decide on the radius first; every method below uses it.

1. String and a pin

Best for large circles, such as on cardboard, fabric or the ground.

1. Push a drawing pin or nail into the centre point.
2. Tie a loop of string around it, and tie a pencil to the other end so that the distance from pin to pencil tip is your radius. Measure with the string pulled tight.
3. Keep the string taut and the pencil upright, and draw all the way round.

Use string that does not stretch. Holding the pencil vertical stops the radius changing as the string winds round the pencil.

2. A ruler with holes, or a strip of card

Take a strip of stiff card or a ruler. Push a pin through one end as the centre, make a small hole at the distance of your radius, put the pencil tip through the hole and rotate the strip around the pin. This keeps the radius more exact than string.

3. Trace a round object

Plates, bowls, cups, lids, rolls of tape and coins all make quick, accurate circles. Hold the object firmly so it does not slide, and keep the pencil tip pressed against the edge as you go round. The traced circle is slightly larger than the object by the thickness of the pencil line. If you need a specific size, measure across the object first: its diameter is the circle's diameter.

4. Fold and cut paper

Good for paper circles, such as templates or decorations.

1. Fold a square of paper in half, then in half again, then diagonally a couple more times so all folds meet at one corner.
2. Measure your radius from that corner along one edge and mark it, then mark the same distance along the other edge and at a few points in between.
3. Cut along the curve joining the marks and unfold.

The more times you fold, the closer the cut gets to a true circle.

5. Plot points with a ruler

Mark the centre, then measure the radius out from it in many directions and make a small dot each time. Join the dots with a smooth line. Eight dots, at every 45 degrees, give a rough circle; twelve or more make a much better one.

With a protractor, you can place the dots exactly. For a radius of 10 cm, the dots at every 30 degrees sit at these positions across and up from the centre:

• 0 degrees: 10.0 across, 0.0 up.
• 30 degrees: 8.66 across, 5.0 up.
• 60 degrees: 5.0 across, 8.66 up.
• 90 degrees: 0.0 across, 10.0 up.

The other eight points mirror these in the other three quarters. The numbers come from radius x cos(angle) across and radius x sin(angle) up, so you can work out any size.

6. Use your hand as a compass

For a small circle with nothing to hand, hold the pencil as normal and rest the tip of your little finger, or a knuckle, firmly on the paper as the centre. Keep your hand rigid and turn the paper underneath it with your other hand. Because the distance between finger and pencil stays fixed, the line comes out round. It takes a little practice but is surprisingly accurate.

Practising freehand circles

None of these methods needs a steady hand, but sometimes a quick freehand circle is all you need, for a sketch, a diagram or a whiteboard. That is a skill you can practise. Perfect Circle Challenge gives you a score for every attempt, which turns practice into a game:

1. Open Perfect Circle Challenge and draw a circle in one stroke with your finger, a stylus, a mouse or a trackpad.
2. Lift to see your score from 0 to 100, based on how evenly the line stays the same distance from its centre.
3. Press the red refresh button and try again.

For technique tips, see how to draw a perfect circle freehand. The game is also available for iPhone and Android.

Frequently asked questions