How to Draw a Parabolic Curve (a Curve with Straight Lines)

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A parabolic curve is a two-dimensional drawing that seems to make a curve. It is very easy to do, and once you master it, the possibilities are endless!

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Drawing a Simple Curve with Graph Paper

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  1. When you are learning, it is best to use graph paper. If you don't have any graph paper, continue on to method 2.
  2. Put the paper so the long end is on the bottom/top and the short ends on the side. If you are using square graph paper, you can skip this step.
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  3. Using a ruler , draw a line from the top left square to the right of the bottom left cube. Make sure the line is straight. [1]
  4. [2]
  5. Make sure you don't connect the wrong end to wrong end, as it is hard to erase. [3]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Drawing a Simple Parabolic Curve without Graph Paper

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  1. Draw a right angle. The taller you make it, the smoother your Parabolic Curve will be. [4]
  2. on both sides of the angle. Make sure they are evenly spaced and equal on both sides.
  3. Make sure the line is straight. Repeat with the next notch [5]
  4. [6]
  5. Make sure you don't connect the wrong end to wrong end, as it is hard to erase.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Draw a Circle Parabolic Curve

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  1. Draw a circle . [7] Use a compass , as it is essential that it is a good circle.
  2. Notch them in equal distance from each other.
  4. Continue as needed.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Other ways to draw a Parabolic Curve

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  1. This is a really cool doodle that isn't too hard. Simply draw the cube first, then use the angles of the cube to make the curves.
  2. Make it using yarn or string . This is even cooler than doing it on paper!
  3. This makes the curve narrower or wider.
  4. This makes a three-sided star.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I change my layout from square to round?
    Community Answer
    Use a compass to draw a circle, as shown in the example. This can be done on any type of paper.
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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 16
  • Question
    How do I make a parabolic curve without a ruler?
    Community Answer
    Use the edge of a piece of paper or anything straight, or go freehand. Visually guess the distances if you don't have graph paper.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 15
  • Question
    How do I draw the center of a parabola?
    Community Answer
    Technically the center of a parabola is undefined since a parabola exists infinitely.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rDDa3AbRvI
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVbfLlSLrZA
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rDDa3AbRvI
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rDDa3AbRvI
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVbfLlSLrZA
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVbfLlSLrZA
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rDDa3AbRvI

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      A parabolic curve is a curve that's made up of straight lines. When you’re first learning how to draw a parabolic curve, use graph paper since it will be easier. First, position the paper so the long sides are at the bottom and top. Next, use a ruler to draw a straight line from the top left square to the right of the bottom left square. Use the ruler again to draw another line from the second square down from the top left to the second square over from the bottom left. Repeat this process, continuing to move one square down from the top left and one square over from the bottom left as you draw your lines until you reach the last square on the bottom. To learn how to draw a parabolic curve without graph paper, keep reading!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Abhijit Londhe

        Oct 11, 2016

        "I really liked these methods. Being an engineer, I would use these simple methods to draw a parabolic curve in ..." more
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