How to Create a Perfect Circle Without Tracing

Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson

Last Updated: January 10, 2022

Need to draw a perfect circle, but don't have anything to trace? You can create a circle with a compass or even just with a pencil and eraser.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Compass

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You can buy one at office supply or drafting supply stores.
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For a bigger circle, spread the compass wider.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Pencil Tip

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Place the paper on a flat, clean surface. The easier the surface is to move the paper on, the better, such as a well-polished table. Also, be sure to have plenty of space to be able to move the paper on the work surface.
Press down on the point where the exposed wood on the pencil meets the painted part.
While your index finger is holding the edge of the pencil described in Step 3, rotate the paper beneath the pencil with your free hand.
You have now completed your circle.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Square

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Start from one end of a bisecting line and take the half circle shape up to the next bisecting line, with the rounded edge sitting against the edge of the large outer square.
Leave behind the circle.

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Question

How can I draw a small circle?

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Community Answer

You can create a small circle with a compass by shortening the length between the point and the pencil. If you would like to draw the circle alone on paper, move the paper less when turning it. Similarly, with the square, you can make a smaller square to make a smaller circle.

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Question

What if the paper moves the wrong way when I'm rotating it?

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Don't worry, mistakes help you improve! Just start over or erase your mistake.

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Question

I tried it and my pencil wouldn't move, why didn't it work?

Community Answer

You may be pushing down too hard. Make sure your pencil is fairly sharp too.

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Tips

Keep your hand steady!

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For a perfect circle, use a compass.

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Don't be disappointed if you end up with a slight spiral design, you just need to press down on the pencil harder.

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