What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
radius
Example
The radius of this circle is 5 centimeters. [radius: noun]
Example
Draw a circle with a radius of 3 inches. [radius: noun]
Example
The hurricane has a radius of 200 miles. [radius: noun]
circumference
Example
The circumference of this circle is 15.7 centimeters. [circumference: noun]
Example
What is the circumference of a circle with a diameter of 10 meters? [circumference: noun]
Example
The circumference of the Earth is approximately 40,075 kilometers. [circumference: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Circumference is more commonly used than radius in everyday language. Circumference is a more versatile term and can be used in various contexts, while radius is more specific and is mainly used in geometry and math.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between radius and circumference?
Radius and circumference are both formal terms used in geometry and math. However, circumference is more commonly used in everyday language and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
