Area of an Ellipse Calculator

Calculate the area of an ellipse using A = π×a×b where a and b are the semi-major and semi-minor axes. Also find circumference, eccentricity, and focal distance.

📐 Geometry📐 A = π × a × b🔢 Math
Semi-major axis a
Semi-minor axis b
Please enter valid values.

Formula & Reference

VariableSymbolFormulaUnits
Area of an Ellipse CalculatorA = π × a × bsquare units

Step-by-Step Examples

Example 1
Standard

a=5, b=3.

  • A=π×5×3=15π≈47.12
  • e=√(1−9/25)=√0.64=0.8
  • c=√(25−9)=4
✓ A ≈ 47.12 sq units
Example 2
Circle Case

a=b=4 (circle).

  • A=π×4×4=16π≈50.27
  • e=0 (circle has zero eccentricity)
  • Becomes A=πr²
✓ A = 50.27 (circle)
Example 3
Planetary Orbit

Earth orbit: a=149.6M km, b=149.58M km.

  • A=π×149.6×149.58≈70,284 M km²
  • Nearly circular: e≈0.017
✓ Near-circular orbit

Real-World Applications

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Semi-axis vs full axis

a and b are SEMI-axes (half the diameter). If you measure the full lengths, divide by 2.

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a must be ≥ b

a is the semi-major (longer) axis, b the semi-minor (shorter). If b > a, swap them.

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Circumference approximation

There is no simple exact formula for ellipse circumference. The approximation π√(2(a²+b²)) is commonly used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ellipse?
The set of points where the sum of distances to two focal points is constant. Equivalent to a stretched circle. Special case: circle when a=b.
What is eccentricity?
e = c/a where c=√(a²−b²). For a circle: e=0. For a very stretched ellipse: e approaches 1. For a parabola: e=1. For a hyperbola: e>1.
What are the foci?
Two special points inside the ellipse at distance c from center, where c=√(a²−b²). Planets orbit the Sun, which is at one focus.
How is an ellipse drawn with string?
Fix a string of length 2a to two points (the foci) separated by 2c. Pull the string taut with a pencil and trace the curve.
What is the equation of an ellipse?
(x/a)² + (y/b)² = 1 centered at origin. If center is (h,k): ((x−h)/a)² + ((y−k)/b)² = 1.

Related Math Calculators

Formula Explorer connections

Interpretation: This relationship connects dimensions, coordinates, angles or trigonometric ratios to a geometric measurement. Assumption: Use a consistent angle mode and length unit, identify the intended shape or coordinate system, and verify that the supplied dimensions form valid geometry.

Area of a Parallelogram Calculator →Area of a Trapezoid Calculator →Circle Calculator – Area, Circumference, Diameter →Math Formula Explorer →