Why Is 3.14 Called Pi? 🔢 The Untold Story (2025)

Have you ever wondered why the number 3.14 is called Pi (π) and why it’s such a big deal in math, science, and even tech? It’s not just a random number or a quirky symbol scribbled on your math homework. Pi is a magical constant that has fascinated mathematicians for thousands of years, weaving its way from ancient civilizations to modern-day Raspberry Pi projects. But how did this mysterious ratio get its name? And why does it keep popping up everywhere—from the curves of a circle to the algorithms powering your favorite gadgets?

Stick with us as we unravel the captivating history, the mathematical marvels, and the surprising everyday uses of Pi. Plus, we’ll bust some common myths and share how you can celebrate Pi Day like a pro. Ready to dive into the infinite world of Pi? Let’s go!

Key Takeaways

  • Pi (π) represents the constant ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14.
  • The symbol π was first introduced by William Jones in 1706 and popularized by Leonhard Euler.
  • Pi is an irrational and transcendental number, meaning its decimal expansion never ends or repeats.
  • Beyond geometry, Pi appears in physics, engineering, probability, and even GPS technology.
  • Raspberry Pi computers are named after this constant, symbolizing the blend of math and tech innovation.
  • Celebrate Pi Day on March 14th with fun activities and projects that deepen your appreciation for this timeless number.

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Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts

To understand why 3.14 is called Pi (π), let’s first explore what Pi is. As explained in our related article about The Value of Pi in Decimal: 10 Mind-Blowing Facts You Didn’t Know (2025), Pi is a mathematical constant representing the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Here are some quick tips and facts about Pi:

  • Pi is approximately equal to 3.14159.
  • It is an irrational number, meaning it cannot be expressed as a simple fraction.
  • Pi is a transcendental number, which means it is not the root of any polynomial equation with rational coefficients.
  • The decimal representation of Pi goes on forever without repeating.
  • Pi is essential in various mathematical formulas, particularly in geometry and trigonometry.

Fun Facts About Pi

Some interesting facts about Pi include:

  • Pi has been calculated to over 31.4 trillion digits using advanced computer algorithms.
  • The record for memorizing the most digits of Pi is held by Rajveer Meena, who recited 70,000 digits in 2015.
  • Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3/14) every year to commemorate the mathematical constant.

The Mystery Unveiled: Why 3.14 is Called Pi (π)

The name “Pi” was first introduced by William Jones, a Welsh mathematician, in 1706. He used the Greek letter π to represent the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Later, Leonhard Euler, a Swiss mathematician, popularized the use of the symbol π in the 18th century. According to Time, “Euler was a much better mathematician than the people who used [pi] before, and he wrote very good textbooks,” which helped spread the use of the symbol π.

The Greek Letter π

The Greek letter π was chosen because it is the first letter of the Greek word “perimeter.” This choice was likely made to reflect the relationship between the circumference of a circle and its diameter. As stated on Dictionary.com, “Pi (π) is the Latin name of the sixteenth Greek letter.”

A Journey Through Time: The Fascinating History of Pi’s Discovery and Naming

The history of Pi dates back to ancient civilizations, with early approximations of Pi found in the works of Archimedes and other Greek mathematicians. The calculation of Pi has been an ongoing process, with mathematicians continually striving to calculate more digits of Pi.

Ancient Roots: From Babylon to Archimedes

The earliest known approximation of Pi was found on a Babylonian tablet, which dated back to around 1900-1680 BCE. This tablet showed an approximation of Pi as 3.125. Later, Archimedes developed a method to calculate Pi by inscribing and circumscribing polygons around a circle. His approximation of Pi was between 3 1/7 and 3 10/71.

The Greek Letter π: Who Coined the Symbol?

As mentioned earlier, the symbol π was first used by William Jones in 1706. However, it was Leonhard Euler who popularized the use of the symbol π in the 18th century. Euler’s work on mathematics, particularly his textbooks, helped spread the use of the symbol π among mathematicians.

What Exactly Is Pi? Demystifying the Mathematical Constant

Pi is a mathematical constant that represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. This constant is essential in various mathematical formulas, particularly in geometry and trigonometry.

The Circumference-to-Diameter Ratio: Pi’s Core Definition

The core definition of Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference (C) to its diameter (d). This ratio is constant, regardless of the circle’s size. As stated on Wikipedia, “π is approximately equal to 3.14159.”

Irrational and Transcendental: Pi’s Unique Mathematical Nature

Pi is an irrational number, meaning it cannot be expressed as a simple fraction. Additionally, Pi is a transcendental number, which means it is not the root of any polynomial equation with rational coefficients. These unique properties make Pi a fascinating mathematical constant.

More Than Just Circles: Where Does Pi Pop Up?

Pi appears in various mathematical formulas beyond just circles. It is essential in geometry, trigonometry, and other areas of mathematics.

Engineering & Physics: Building Our World with Pi

Pi is used in engineering and physics to calculate the stress on a beam, the frequency of a vibrating string, and the flow of fluids. For example, the Raspberry Pi, a small computer, uses Pi in its calculations for various projects, such as robotics and home automation.

Probability & Statistics: Pi in Unexpected Places

Pi appears in probability and statistics, particularly in the normal distribution. The normal distribution, also known as the Gaussian distribution, is a probability distribution that is commonly observed in nature. Pi is used to calculate the area under the normal distribution curve.

Everyday Tech: GPS, Waves, and Beyond

Pi is used in various everyday technologies, such as GPS, which relies on Pi to calculate distances and positions. Additionally, Pi is used in the study of waves, including sound waves and light waves.

The Never-Ending Story: Exploring Pi’s Infinite Digits

Pi has been calculated to over 31.4 trillion digits using advanced computer algorithms. The calculation of Pi is an ongoing process, with mathematicians continually striving to calculate more digits.

The Challenge of Memorization: Pi-philes and Their Feats

Some individuals, known as Pi-philes, have memorized thousands of digits of Pi. The record for memorizing the most digits of Pi is held by Rajveer Meena, who recited 70,000 digits in 2015.

Computational Quests: Pushing the Limits of Pi Calculation

The calculation of Pi is a challenging task that requires advanced computer algorithms and significant computational power. Mathematicians use various methods, such as the Monte Carlo method, to calculate Pi.

Common Misconceptions About Pi: Busting the Myths!

There are several common misconceptions about Pi, including the idea that Pi is a rational number or that it can be expressed as a simple fraction. However, Pi is an irrational number that cannot be expressed as a simple fraction.

Celebrating Pi: The Joy of Pi Day (March 14th)!

Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3/14) every year to commemorate the mathematical constant. People around the world celebrate Pi Day by reciting digits of Pi, eating pie, and engaging in other Pi-related activities.

Why Pi Matters: Its Enduring Legacy in Science and Beyond

Pi has a significant impact on various fields, including mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science. Its unique properties make it an essential constant in many mathematical formulas. As stated on Why Pi, “Pi is a fundamental constant in mathematics, and its calculation has been an ongoing process for thousands of years.”

To learn more about Pi and its applications, visit our website at Why Pi or check out our articles on Electronics Industry News, Microcontroller Programming, and Electronic Component Reviews. You can also explore our tutorials on DIY Electronics and Raspberry Pi projects.

Conclusion

Wow, what a journey! From ancient Babylonian tablets to modern supercomputers crunching trillions of digits, the story of why 3.14 is called Pi (π) is nothing short of fascinating. We’ve uncovered how the Greek letter π was chosen by William Jones in 1706 to symbolize this magical ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, and how Euler’s genius popularized it worldwide. Along the way, we explored Pi’s unique mathematical nature—irrational, transcendental, and endlessly mysterious—and its surprising appearances far beyond geometry, from engineering marvels to the very tech that powers your favorite Raspberry Pi projects.

At Why Pi™, we love how Pi connects pure math with practical innovation. Whether you’re a math enthusiast memorizing digits or a maker building a Pi-powered robot, understanding Pi enriches your appreciation of both the abstract and the tangible. And remember, Pi’s infinite digits are a never-ending puzzle, inviting curiosity and creativity—just like the Raspberry Pi itself!

So next time you see 3.14, think of it as the gateway to a universe of mathematical wonder and technological possibility. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep celebrating Pi—because it’s truly one of the most beautiful constants in our world.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

  • Raspberry Pi 4 Model B: Amazon | Raspberry Pi Official Website
  • Books on Pi and Mathematics:
    • “Pi: A Biography of the World’s Most Mysterious Number” by Alfred S. Posamentier and Ingmar Lehmann — Amazon
    • “The Joy of Pi” by David Blatner — Amazon
    • “Mathematics and the Imagination” by Edward Kasner and James Newman — Amazon

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Pi, Answered!

Pi is fundamental in mathematics as the constant ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, appearing in countless formulas across geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and physics. In computing, Pi’s infinite, non-repeating decimal expansion makes it a perfect testbed for algorithms and numerical precision.

For Raspberry Pi projects, Pi’s significance is twofold:

  • The Raspberry Pi computer itself is named after the mathematical constant, symbolizing its roots in education and computing.
  • Many projects involving sensors, robotics, and graphics rely on Pi-related calculations (e.g., rotations, waveforms, and signal processing), making understanding Pi essential for programming and engineering on the platform.

How does the value of pi affect the calculations and performance of Raspberry Pi-based systems and applications?

The precision of Pi used in calculations can impact the accuracy of results in Raspberry Pi applications, especially in fields like robotics, physics simulations, and signal processing. While the Raspberry Pi’s hardware can handle floating-point operations efficiently, software libraries often provide Pi to a sufficient number of decimal places for practical use.

For most applications, using Pi approximated to 3.14159 or the built-in constant in programming languages (like Python’s math.pi) is enough. However, if you’re working on high-precision scientific computing or cryptography projects, you might need arbitrary-precision libraries, which can be run on Raspberry Pi but may require more computational resources.

Absolutely! Raspberry Pi’s versatility makes it an excellent platform for exploring Pi calculations:

  • Pi Digit Calculators: Implement algorithms like the Bailey–Borwein–Plouffe (BBP) formula or Monte Carlo simulations to compute Pi digits.
  • Visualization Projects: Use Python libraries like Matplotlib to visualize Pi’s digits or approximate Pi using geometric methods.
  • Pi Day Celebrations: Build interactive Pi-themed displays or games using LEDs and sensors.
  • Robotics: Program robot arms or wheels to rotate precise angles using Pi-based calculations.

These projects not only deepen your understanding of Pi but also sharpen your programming and electronics skills.

Are there any Raspberry Pi tutorials or resources available that teach how to use pi in programming and engineering applications?

Yes! The Raspberry Pi Foundation and communities like Why Pi™ offer numerous tutorials and resources:

These resources provide step-by-step instructions, code examples, and project ideas to help you integrate Pi into your Raspberry Pi adventures.

Dive deeper into the magic of Pi and the endless possibilities it unlocks—both in math and in the world of Raspberry Pi!

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