Pi Day

Supriya Jain
Dec 22, 2023 By Supriya Jain
Originally Published on Mar 16, 2022
Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa
Pi Day is the day for you to know more about the digits of pi.

Where is Pi Day celebrated?

Pi Day is celebrated in the USA on March 14 every year. Math enthusiasts enjoy the celebrations of this great day across the US with extreme enthusiasm.

Who is Pi Day celebrated by?

Pi Day, an occasion mainly for the American Pi enthusiasts, is celebrated by mathematicians, academicians, and researchers in mathematics, students, and other philomaths from all over the globe.

When did Pi Day first start?

Pi day began to be observed in 1988 but received official status in 2009 to become a holiday. Since then, this national day has been celebrated every year by all math enthusiasts.

Who started Pi Day?

Pie day was started by Larry Shaw, an American physicist, in 1988.

History And Timeline

The value of Pi is believed to have been first calculated by the Greek mathematician and astronomer Archimedes in around 250 BCE. Indian mathematician and astronaut Aryabhatta also made a similar approximation of Pi around the 3rd century BCE.

The 16th letter in the Greek alphabet was used to depict the value of Pi for the first time by William Oughtred in his work of 1647 and was brought to light by Leonhard Euler in 1737.

At this wake, however, some are even questioning the practical use of Pi and suggest another mathematical constant, ‘two Pie’ or ‘Tau,’ as a better alternative for calculations relating to circles. Here is the timeline on this important and intriguing concept in mathematics.

The First Use of Pi

Pi was first devised by William Jones, a British mathematician, to denote the value and was later popularized by Leonhard Euler, who was a Swiss mathematician.

1706

First Pi Day Celebration

Pi Day was first celebrated by Larry Shaw in 1988.

March 14, 1988

Pi Day Gained Official Status

US Congress in 2009 declared March 14 as National Pi Day.

March 12, 2009

Digits of 𝝅 Assembled

Clock stroke 9:26:53 am on March 14, 2015, and this coincidentally equaled the value of Pi- 3/14/15/92653. This day is therefore called the Super Pi Day.

March 14, 2015

Death of Larry Shaw

Leaving deep imprints on pop culture, Larry Shaw passed away in 2017.

August 19, 2017

Traditions And Customs

Pi Day is widely observed by math enthusiasts all over. Larry Shaw, who invented the day in 1988, was the first to celebrate at the San Francisco Exploratorium. The staff shared fruit pies on this day and marched around the exploratorium to pay honor to this day.

Get-togethers and competitions are held on this day. Scavenger hunts, Pi Day workouts, and Pi Bake Sales are organized in schools on this day. These events can help instill an interest in learning mathematics.

On this day, events are hosted in Princeton and New Jersey, in association with Pi Day and the birth anniversary of the eminent scientist Albert Einstein. This was because Einstein spent around 20 years in Princeton, where he worked at the Institute for Advanced Study.

There are stores that have deals on this day for the Pi enthusiasts. Large pizzas priced around $3.14 are sold by the 7-Eleven Stores. Then comes the 11 in (28 cm) Blaze Pizza around the same rate. The deals in Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Aperol Spritz, and many others. The exploratorium holds pie processions and pie feasts on this day.

Ways To Celebrate Pi Day

Preparing cream pies at home or having any pi-themed food is an excellent idea to observe the day.

Many people are unaware of Pi Day. So, on this day, post about its significance on social media handles.

How about jogging or walking for some 3.14 mi (5 km) or alternatively for 2 mi (3.14 km)? This will make the day memorable and burn your calories too!

You can read about the history of this day and also try to solve some complex or straightforward equations featuring pi to hone your knowledge of mathematical constant pi.

Try memorizing the value of Pi. You might even break the records someday!

Facts And Stats

  • Albert Einstein has his birthday on Pie Day. Also, this day marks the death anniversary of another eminent physicist and cosmologist, Stephen Hawking.
  • This is a day to celebrate the symbol that gave an immense contribution to the sphere of mathematics.
  • Various mathematical events and workshops are organized on Pi Day by all math enthusiasts. Different competitions can also be organized by educational institutes on this day.

Why do we celebrate Pi Day?

We celebrate Pi Day to honor the contributions made to the symbol and its value by scientists all over and to mark its significance in mathematics, physics, and other disciplines of study.

Is Pi Day an actual holiday?

Pie Day was declared a holiday in the US in 2009 after the US Congress denoted official status to the day, which had already been followed since 1988.

How do you explain Pi Day?

Pie Day is the annual celebration that marks the importance of the Pi, a mathematical constant of the value 3.14, widely used in all mathematical areas of study.

Who started Pi Day?

Pie Day was started by the American physicist Larry Shaw in the year 1988. Ever since this day has been celebrated with increasing enthusiasm.

Who invented pi?

Archimedes and Aryabhatta invented pi at two different points in time in history. However, both introduced the same values of calculation.

When is Pi Day?

It is celebrated annually on March 14. Various events are organized by math students and enthusiasts across the world. The celebrations take place every year, with new facts being discussed around the Greek symbol.

What is the significance of Pi Day?

The significance of Pi Day is to honor the contributions made to the symbol and its value by scientists all over and to mark its significance in mathematics, physics, and other disciplines of study.

How do people celebrate Pi Day?

People celebrate Pi Day by preparing pies or Pi-themed foods, memorizing its value, and acknowledging its significance on social media platforms.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Saturday, March 14, 2020
  • Sunday, March 14, 2021
  • Monday, March 14, 2022
  • Tuesday, March 14, 2023
  • Thursday, March 14, 2024

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Written by Supriya Jain

Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

Supriya Jain picture

Supriya JainBachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

As a skilled member of the Kidadl team, Shruti brings extensive experience and expertise in professional content writing. With a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Punjab University and an MBA in Business Administration from IMT Nagpur, Shruti has worked in diverse roles such as sales intern, content writer, executive trainee, and business development consultant. Her exceptional writing skills cover a wide range of areas, including SOP, SEO, B2B/B2C, and academic content.

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Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English

Shruti Thapa picture

Shruti ThapaBachelor of Arts specializing in English

With a passion for American, British, and children's literature, Shruti is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree at Garden City University, Bengaluru. Her fluency in Nepali, Hindi, and Mandarin demonstrates her linguistic abilities and global perspective. In addition to her literary pursuits, she has a keen interest in non-fiction literature, aesthetics, early childhood education, and Egyptian history. Shruti's research paper 'Bringing Art Illustrations In Education And Pop Culture' showcases her proficiency in these areas and her dedication to academic excellence.

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