MATH CALCULATOR
Tangent Circle Calculator
Calculate the properties of tangent circles easily with our online tool.
What is the Tangent Circle Calculator & How does it work?
Two circles are said to be tangent if they touch each other at exactly one point. The distance between their centers is equal to the sum or difference of their radii, depending on whether they are externally or internally tangent.
For two externally tangent circles with radii r1 and r2, the distance d between their centers is given by:For two internally tangent circles, the distance d between their centers is:
For two externally tangent circles with radii r1 and r2, the distance d between their centers is given by:
d = r1 + r2
r1 = radius of first circle
r2 = radius of second circle
r2 = radius of second circle
d = |r1 – r2|
r1 = radius of first circle
r2 = radius of second circle
r2 = radius of second circle
Parameters
Distance between centers—
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the distance between two externally tangent circles?
For externally tangent circles, add the radii of the two circles to get the distance between their centers.
What is the formula for internally tangent circles?
For internally tangent circles, subtract the smaller radius from the larger one to find the distance between their centers.
Can this calculator handle both external and internal tangency?
Yes, the calculator can determine the distance for both externally and internally tangent circles based on the radii provided.
What if one circle is inside the other without touching?
If one circle is completely inside another without touching, the distance between their centers would be less than the difference of their radii.
How do I know if two circles are externally tangent?
Two circles are externally tangent if the distance between their centers equals the sum of their radii.
What happens if the circles overlap but are not tangent?
If the circles overlap but are not tangent, the distance between their centers is less than the difference of their radii.
Can this calculator be used for more than two circles?
This specific calculator is designed for two circles. For more complex arrangements, a different approach or tool would be needed.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.