National Pi Day

National Pi Day on March 14th recognizes the mathematical constant π. Also known as pi, the first three and most recognized digits are 3.14. The day is celebrated by pi enthusiasts and pie lovers alike!

Pi is the ratio between the circumference of a circle and its diameter. While the idea of pi has been known for nearly 4000 years, accurately calculating it has been something of slightly more recent mathematical development. By 2000 BC, the Egyptians and Babylonians accurately used the constant to build. Mathematicians such as Archimedes, Fibonacci, François Viète, Adriaan van Roomen, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz all calculated pi by various methods. However, in 1706, Welsh mathematician William Jones introduced the Greek letter π to represent the ratio of a circle’s circumference; pi.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPiDay

  • Celebrate the day with a slice of a pie cut using the mathematical constant of pi.
  • Host a pie-eating contest.
  • Discuss the significance of the number π.
  • Watch the Life of Pi.
  • Look for 3.14 in unexpected places. For example, prices, street numbers, or license plates.
  • Finding 3.14 deals in as many versions of π as possible.  For example
    • Think pizza Pi as much as dessert kind of deals on this day!
    • Get punny Geeky Greek Pi-inspired t-shirts deals.
    • Visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for a National Pi Day lesson.
  • Use #NationalPiDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL PI DAY HISTORY

In 1988, Larry Shaw organized the earliest known official or large-scale celebration of Pi Day at the San Francisco Exploratorium. The Exploratorium continues to hold Pi Day celebrations.

On March 12, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution (HRES 224) recognizing March 14, 2009, as National Pi Day.

PI FAQ

Q. Who holds the record for memorizing the most digits of pi?
A. In 2015, Rajveer Meena memorized 70,0000 decimal places of Pi as certified by Guinness World Records.

Q. Why do people eat pie on Pi Day?
A. People eat pie on Pi Day because the two words are homophones and hearing that it’s Pi Day makes people think of pie. Also, since pies are usually round, they’re an ideal way to celebrate Pi Day.