How it works
Sagitta is measured from chord midpoint to the minor arc. It does not exceed the radius; a major-arc sagitta belongs to another branch. This form solves for sagitta; enter the known quantities in Radius, Chord length.
Inputs and units
| Input | Example value | What to enter |
|---|---|---|
| Radius | 5 cm | Formula symbol: r. Required unit: cm. Distance from the centre to the edge; half the diameter. Must be greater than zero. |
| Chord length | 8 cm | Formula symbol: c. Required unit: cm. Must be greater than zero. |
Worked example
Show example inputs and results
This example is generated by the same calculation engine using the starting values in the form. Your own inputs produce your own result.
- Radius
- 5 cm
- Chord length
- 8 cm
Complete example results
- Sagitta
- 2 cm
Reading the result
The result solves for sagitta from the entered quantities. Check the result unit and the formula conditions before using it.
Questions and answers
Can I use the example values for my own calculation?
The example values illustrate the calculation. Replace every input with your own information, especially dates, rates and the selected operation.
When can I use the sagitta result?
Lengths use cm, areas cm² and volumes cm³ on one consistent scale. The positive real branch is selected; the supplied quantities must describe the stated shape.
Why are some results rounded?
Results display up to 8 decimal places. Calculations use the unrounded values; very small values use scientific notation. JavaScript floating-point arithmetic can introduce tiny rounding differences.
Are my inputs sent to a server?
The calculator processes inputs in your browser. Its code does not send your values to a server.
Method sources: openstax.org