Edit Article

  • 156,494 views

  • 39 Editors

  • Edited

Two Methods:Protractor MethodCompass Method

An equilateral triangle has equal sides and angles, which can make it a little bit challenging to draw one perfectly. However, with the use of a compass or a protractor, you can draw that perfect triangle.

Ad

EditMethod 1 of 2: Protractor Method

  1. Draw an Equilateral Triangle Step 1.jpg
    1
    Use a ruler to draw a line segment of an appropriate length.
    Ad
  2. Draw an Equilateral Triangle Step 2.jpg
    2
    Use a protractor to measure a 60 ° angle at one end.
  3. Draw an Equilateral Triangle Step 3.jpg
    3
    Measure from the vertex of the angle (that's the pointy bit) along the new line until its length matches the line segment from part one. Mark this spot.
  4. 4
    Connect this point to the unattached end of the first line segment. You should now have an equilateral triangle.




Draw an Equilateral Triangle Step 4.jpg

EditMethod 2 of 2: Compass Method

  1. Draw an Equilateral Triangle Step 5.jpg
    1
    Draw a line segment with your ruler.
  2. Draw an Equilateral Triangle Step 6.jpg
    2
    Put the point of your compass at one end of the segment and the pencil point at the other.
  3. Draw an Equilateral Triangle Step 7.jpg
    3
    Without moving the point of the compass and without changing how wide it is set, swing the compass in approximately a quarter-circle (up & away from the line segment).
  4. Draw an Equilateral Triangle Step 8.jpg
    4
    Without changing how wide the compass is spread, move the compass point to the other end.
  5. Draw an Equilateral Triangle Step 9.jpg
    5
    Swing the compass so that the arc you are creating crosses the arc you drew in step 3.
  6. Draw an Equilateral Triangle Step 10.jpg
    6
    Mark the place where the two arcs cross. This is the apex of your triangle.
  7. Draw an Equilateral Triangle Step 11.jpg
    7
    Using a ruler, draw line segments that connect the spot where the arcs cross to each end of the original line segment.
    Ad


We could really use your help!

Can you tell us about
business operations?
Yes I can
business operations
how to retain customers
Can you tell us about
acupressure?
Yes I can
acupressure
how to perform acupressure
Can you tell us about
sabbaticals?
Yes I can
sabbaticals
how to plan a sabbatical
Can you tell us about
trailers?
Yes I can
trailers
how to trailer a motorcycle
Thanks for helping! Please tell us everything you know about
...
Tell us everything you know here. Remember, more detail is better.
Tips
Provide Details.
Please be as detailed as possible in your explanation. Don't worry about formatting! We'll take care of it. For example:
Don't say: Eat more fats.
Do say: Add fats with some nutritional value to the foods you already eat. Try olive oil, butter, avocado, and mayonnaise.
Submit

EditVideo



EditTips

  • Use a compass that has a lock to ensure that you don't unintentionally change the spread of the compass.
  • Don't make the compass lines dark; you want them to be thin so you can easily erase them later.
  • The compass method is usually more precise as it does not rely on the correct measurement of angles.

EditWarnings

  • Don't mark the surface beneath the paper.

EditThings You'll Need

  • A pair of compasses (the type used for mathematical constructions, not the North/South type)
  • Something to put under the compass so the point doesn't slip
  • A ruler
  • A pencil (try not to use mechanical pencils, they may not fit into the pencil holder on the compass). Also make sure it is sharp, not blunt.

EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Measure a Line Segment

How to
Construct an Isosceles Triangle

How to
Construct a Square

How to
Draw a Cube

Article Info

Categories: Geometry | Drawing Shapes and Forms

Recent edits by: Teresa, WanderWoman, Abrogation316

In other languages:

Español: Cómo hacer un triángulo equilátero, Italiano: Come Disegnare un Triangolo Equilatero, Português: Como Desenhar um Triângulo Equilátero

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 156,494 times.

Did this article help you?
Yes No

Become
an Author!

Write an Article