Chord Length Calculator
Calculate the length of a chord from radius and central angle.
How to Use the Chord Length Calculator
Enter the circle radius and central angle to calculate the straight-line distance between two points on the circle.
Practical Example
With radius 10 and central angle 60°, the chord length is 10 units.
Factors That Affect the Result
Use the correct angle unit and make sure the angle corresponds to the minor or major chord you intend to measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chord?
A straight segment joining two points on a circle.
Is a diameter a chord?
Yes. It is the longest possible chord.
Can I use degrees?
Yes, when the tool expects degrees.
Related Tools
- Arc Length Calculator
- Circle Segment Calculator
- Sector Area Calculator
- Circle Calculator
- Area Calculator
Understanding Chord Length
A chord is a straight line connecting two points on a circle. When radius r and central angle θ are known, chord length is commonly calculated as 2r × sin(θ/2). The angle must be interpreted in the correct unit before applying the sine function.
Chord calculations are useful in geometry, fabrication and circular layouts. A chord is shorter than the corresponding arc except in the limiting case of a very small angle, so do not substitute arc length for chord length. Keep the radius measurement precise because the result scales directly with it.