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Last updated on September 2, 2025

Chord Of A Circle Calculator

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Calculators are reliable tools for solving simple mathematical problems and advanced calculations like trigonometry. Whether you’re working on geometry, calculating distances, or planning a design project, calculators will make your life easier. In this topic, we are going to talk about the chord of a circle calculator.

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What is Chord Of A Circle Calculator?

A chord of a circle calculator is a tool to determine the length of a chord given certain parameters like the radius of the circle and the angle subtended at the center. This calculator simplifies the process of finding the chord length, saving time and effort.

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How to Use the Chord Of A Circle Calculator?

Given below is a step-by-step process on how to use the calculator:

 

Step 1: Enter the radius of the circle: Input the circle's radius into the given field.

Step 2: Enter the angle subtended: Input the angle in degrees or radians.

Step 3: Click on calculate: Click the calculate button to get the chord length.

Step 4: View the result: The calculator will display the result instantly.

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How to Calculate the Chord of a Circle?

To calculate the chord of a circle, use the following formula:

Chord Length = 2 × Radius × sin(Angle/2)

This formula uses the radius of the circle and the angle subtended by the chord at the circle's center.

The angle must be in radians for the sine function in most calculators.

The sine function helps find the half-length of the chord within the circle.

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Tips and Tricks for Using the Chord Of A Circle Calculator

When using a chord of a circle calculator, there are a few tips and tricks to make the process smoother and avoid common errors:

Ensure the angle is in the correct unit (degrees or radians) as required by the calculator.

Double-check your inputs for accuracy, especially the radius and angle values.

Be aware of geometry principles, such as the fact that the chord is always shorter than the circle's diameter.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Using the Chord Of A Circle Calculator

Despite being a helpful tool, errors can happen when using the chord of a circle calculator. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake 1

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Using the wrong angle unit.

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Ensure that the angle you input is in the correct unit (degrees or radians) as required. Mismatched units can lead to incorrect results.

Mistake 2

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Misinterpreting the radius as diameter.

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Remember that the radius is half of the diameter. Ensure you're using the correct value to avoid miscalculations.

Mistake 3

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Neglecting the angle subtended at the center.

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The angle used should be the one subtended at the center of the circle by the chord. Incorrect angles will lead to incorrect chord length calculations.

Mistake 4

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Overlooking the sine function requirement.

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The formula requires using the sine of half the angle; forgetting this can lead to errors. Ensure your calculator is set to the correct mode (degrees or radians) when calculating the sine.

Mistake 5

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Assuming all circles are the same.

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Each circle can have different radii, affecting the chord length. Always input the specific radius for accurate results.

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Chord Of A Circle Calculator Examples

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Problem 1

What is the chord length of a circle with a radius of 10 and an angle of 60 degrees?

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Use the formula:

Chord Length = 2 × Radius × sin(Angle/2)

Chord Length = 2 × 10 × sin(60/2) = 20 × sin(30)

Chord Length = 20 × 0.5 = 10

Therefore, the chord length is 10 units.

Explanation

By using the radius of 10 and an angle of 60 degrees, we calculate the chord length.

The sine of 30 degrees is 0.5, resulting in a chord length of 10 units.

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Problem 2

Find the chord length for a circle with a radius of 5 and an angle of 90 degrees.

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Use the formula:

Chord Length = 2 × Radius × sin(Angle/2)

Chord Length = 2 × 5 × sin(90/2) = 10 × sin(45)

Chord Length ≈ 10 × 0.7071 ≈ 7.071

Therefore, the chord length is approximately 7.071 units.

Explanation

With a radius of 5 and an angle of 90 degrees, the sine of 45 degrees is approximately 0.7071, giving a chord length of about 7.071 units.

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Problem 3

A circle has a radius of 8. Calculate the chord length given an angle of 120 degrees.

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Use the formula:

Chord Length = 2 × Radius × sin(Angle/2)

Chord Length = 2 × 8 × sin(120/2) = 16 × sin(60)

Chord Length = 16 × 0.866 ≈ 13.856

Therefore, the chord length is approximately 13.856 units.

Explanation

Using a radius of 8 and an angle of 120 degrees, we find the chord length. The sine of 60 degrees is approximately 0.866, resulting in a chord length of about 13.856 units.

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Problem 4

How long is the chord if the radius is 12 and the angle is 45 degrees?

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Use the formula:

Chord Length = 2 × Radius × sin(Angle/2)

Chord Length = 2 × 12 × sin(45/2) = 24 × sin(22.5)

Chord Length ≈ 24 × 0.3827 ≈ 9.1848

Therefore, the chord length is approximately 9.1848 units.

Explanation

With a radius of 12 and an angle of 45 degrees, the sine of 22.5 degrees is approximately 0.3827, giving a chord length of about 9.1848 units.

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Problem 5

Determine the chord length for a circle with a radius of 15 and an angle of 150 degrees.

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Use the formula:

Chord Length = 2 × Radius × sin(Angle/2)

Chord Length = 2 × 15 × sin(150/2) = 30 × sin(75)

Chord Length ≈ 30 × 0.9659 ≈ 28.977

Therefore, the chord length is approximately 28.977 units.

Explanation

Using a radius of 15 and an angle of 150 degrees, the sine of 75 degrees is approximately 0.9659, leading to a chord length of about 28.977 units.

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FAQs on Using the Chord Of A Circle Calculator

1.How do you calculate the chord of a circle?

Use the formula:

Chord Length = 2 × Radius × sin(Angle/2).

Make sure the angle is in radians if needed.

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2.Can a chord be longer than the circle's radius?

Yes, a chord can be longer than the radius but will always be shorter than the diameter of the circle.

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3.Why must the angle be halved in the formula?

The angle is halved because the sine function calculates the half-length of the chord, forming a right triangle with the radius.

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4.How do I use a chord of a circle calculator?

Input the radius and the angle of the circle into the calculator, then click calculate to see the chord length.

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5.Is the chord of a circle calculator accurate?

The calculator gives an accurate result based on the mathematical formula, assuming inputs are accurate and angle units are correct.

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Glossary of Terms for the Chord Of A Circle Calculator

  • Chord: A line segment with both endpoints on the circle.

 

  • Radius: The distance from the circle's center to any point on its circumference.

 

  • Angle: The measure of rotation required to bring one of two intersecting lines into coincidence with the other.

 

  • Sine Function: A trigonometric function that calculates the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle.

 

  • Radians: A unit of angle measure used in many areas of mathematics.
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Seyed Ali Fathima S

About the Author

Seyed Ali Fathima S a math expert with nearly 5 years of experience as a math teacher. From an engineer to a math teacher, shows her passion for math and teaching. She is a calculator queen, who loves tables and she turns tables to puzzles and songs.

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Fun Fact

: She has songs for each table which helps her to remember the tables

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