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Last updated on September 15, 2025

Circumscribed 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, analyzing data, or planning a construction project, calculators will make your life easy. In this topic, we are going to talk about circumscribed circle calculators.

Circumscribed Circle Calculator for US Students
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What is a Circumscribed Circle Calculator?

A circumscribed circle calculator is a tool to determine the radius of the circle that can be drawn around a given triangle, touching all its vertices. This calculator makes the calculation easier and faster, saving time and effort.

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How to Use the Circumscribed Circle Calculator?

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

 

Step 1: Enter the side lengths of the triangle: Input the lengths of the three sides of the triangle into the given fields.

Step 2: Click on calculate: Click on the calculate button to make the calculation and get the result.

Step 3: View the result: The calculator will display the radius of the circumscribed circle instantly.

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How to Calculate the Circumscribed Circle Radius?

To calculate the radius (R) of a circumscribed circle around a triangle, you can use the formula: 

R = abc / 4A  where a, b, c  are the lengths of the sides of the triangle, and A  is the area of the triangle.

The formula helps determine how large the circumscribed circle needs to be to exactly pass through all three vertices of the triangle.

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Tips and Tricks for Using the Circumscribed Circle Calculator

When using a circumscribed circle calculator, there are a few tips and tricks to make the process easier and avoid mistakes:

Ensure accuracy when measuring side lengths, as small errors can affect the calculation.

Remember that the formula requires the area of the triangle, which may need to be calculated separately.

Use the calculator's features to double-check input values and outputs.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Using the Circumscribed Circle Calculator

Even when using a calculator, mistakes can happen. It's possible for anyone to make errors in input or interpretation.

Mistake 1

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Neglecting to calculate the triangle's area separately.

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Ensure that you calculate or know the area of the triangle before using the formula. The area is essential for finding the radius accurately.

Mistake 2

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Incorrect side measurements.

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Double-check the side lengths to ensure they are correct. Incorrect measurements can lead to incorrect results.

Mistake 3

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Misinterpreting the result as the area instead of radius.

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Remember that the calculator provides the radius of the circumscribed circle, not its area.

Mistake 4

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Relying on the calculator without understanding the underlying math.

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While calculators are helpful, understanding the formula and its components can provide insight into the results and help catch errors.

Mistake 5

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Assuming all triangles can have a circumscribed circle.

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Only certain types of triangles can have a circumscribed circle. Make sure the triangle's sides can form a valid triangle.

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Circumscribed Circle Calculator Examples

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Problem 1

What is the radius of the circumscribed circle for a triangle with sides 7, 8, and 9?

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Use the formula:

R = abc / 4A

First, calculate the area (A) using Heron's formula.

The semi-perimeter (s) is:  s = {7 + 8 + 9} / 2 = 12 

Find the area:  A = √{12(12-7)(12-8)(12-9)} = 26.83 

Then calculate the radius:  R = {7 × 8 ×9} / {4 × 26.83} ≈5.24 

Therefore, the radius is approximately 5.24 units.

Explanation

By calculating the semi-perimeter and the area using Heron's formula, we determine the radius of the circumscribed circle.

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Problem 2

Find the radius of the circumscribed circle for a triangle with sides 5, 12, and 13.

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Use the formula:

R = abc / 4A

First, calculate the area (A) using Heron's formula.

The semi-perimeter (s) is:  s = {5 + 12 + 13} / {2} = 15 

Find the area:  A = √{15(15-5)(15-12)(15-13)} = 30 

Then calculate the radius:  R = {5 × 12 × 13} / {4 × 30} = 6.5 

Therefore, the radius is 6.5 units.

Explanation

Using Heron's formula, we find the area and calculate the radius based on the side lengths of the triangle.

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Problem 3

A triangle has sides of 6, 8, and 10. Calculate the radius of its circumscribed circle.

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Use the formula:

R = abc / 4A

First, calculate the area (A) using Heron's formula.

The semi-perimeter (s) is:  s = {6 + 8 + 10} / {2} = 12 

Find the area:  A = √{12(12-6)(12-8)(12-10)} = 24 

Then calculate the radius:  R = {6 × 8 ×10} / {4 × 24} = 5 

Therefore, the radius is 5 units.

Explanation

With Heron's formula, we find the area, allowing us to use the circumscribed circle formula to find the radius.

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Problem 4

Determine the radius of the circumscribed circle for a triangle with sides 3, 4, and 5.

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Use the formula:

R = abc / 4A

First, calculate the area (A) using Heron's formula.

The semi-perimeter (s) is:  s = {3 + 4 + 5 }/ {2} = 6 \]

Find the area:  A = √{6(6-3)(6-4)(6-5)} = 6 

Then calculate the radius:  R = {3 × 4 × 5} / {4 × 6} = 2.5 

Therefore, the radius is 2.5 units.

Explanation

Using Heron's formula, we calculate the area and then the radius of the circumscribed circle for the given triangle.

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Problem 5

A triangle with sides 9, 12, and 15 needs its circumscribed circle radius calculated. What is it?

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Okay, lets begin

Use the formula:

R = abc / 4A

First, calculate the area (A) using Heron's formula.

The semi-perimeter (s) is:  s = {9 + 12 + 15} / {2} = 18 

Find the area:  A = √{18(18-9)(18-12)(18-15)} = 54 

Then calculate the radius:  R = {9 × 12 × 15} / {4 × 54} = 7.5 

Therefore, the radius is 7.5 units.

Explanation

By calculating the area using the semi-perimeter, we can determine the radius of the circumscribed circle for the triangle.

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FAQs on Using the Circumscribed Circle Calculator

1.How do you calculate the radius of the circumscribed circle?

Use the formula, R = abc / 4A where  a, b, c  are the side lengths and  A  is the area of the triangle.

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2.Can all triangles have a circumscribed circle?

Yes, all triangles can have a circumscribed circle, as long as the sides form a valid triangle.

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3.Why is the area of the triangle necessary for the calculation?

The area is necessary because it provides a means to relate the triangle's dimensions to the circle's radius using the formula.

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4.How can I ensure accurate results?

Double-check the side measurements and the calculated area to ensure accuracy before using the formula.

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5.Is the circumscribed circle calculator accurate?

The calculator provides precise results based on the input, but ensure all measurements are accurate for the best results.

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Glossary of Terms for the Circumscribed Circle Calculator

  • Circumscribed Circle: A circle that passes through all vertices of a triangle.

 

  • Radius (R): The distance from the center of the circle to any point on its circumference.

 

  • Heron's Formula: A method for calculating the area of a triangle from its side lengths.

 

  • Semi-perimeter (s): Half of the perimeter of the triangle, used in Heron's formula.

 

  • Triangle: A polygon with three edges and three vertices.
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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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