Pi Day

Pi Day History

Pi Day celebrates the mathematical constant represented by the Greek letter π. In mathematics and physics, Pi, approximately 3.14, is a fundamental concept that represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, consistent no matter the size of the circle. Pi Day not only pays tribute to this vital constant, but also serves as an opportunity to engage students and the general public in math-related activities like pie-eating on a day that loosely represents the constant.

The concept of Pi Day was first proposed by physicist Larry Shaw in 1988 at the San Francisco Exploratorium. In Canada, the mathematical day has been embraced enthusiastically by mathematicians, teachers, students, and anyone appreciating the interplay between mathematics and the world. Many Canadian educational institutions and organizations mark Pi Day, given the country's emphasis on scientific and mathematical education. It's seen as an exciting opportunity to spark interest in these crucial subjects among students and adults alike.

In Canada, Pi Day is typically observed through educational events, discussions about the significance of Pi, and math-themed contests. It's become a tradition in some schools to serve pie on Pi Day, playing on the homophonic nature of the word "pi" and "pie". While circled learning sessions celebrate the day's circular theme, students often engage in activities geared towards calculating Pi. As per its mathematical origin, this day is observed every year on March 14, connecting to the approximation of pi, 3.14.

Top 9 Facts for 2026 Pi Day in Canada

• The International Day of Mathematics, which coincides with Pi Day, will be celebrated in 2026 under the theme Mathematics and Hope to highlight how mathematical reasoning can address global challenges.
• Canadians often follow the progress of local memory experts like Chun Wang, who set a national record by reciting 8,148 digits of pi from memory.
• The Astro Pi Challenge offers a unique opportunity for students across Canada to write code that runs on Raspberry Pi computers aboard the International Space Station.
• Many post-secondary students in the Maritimes participate in the annual SMCS Integration Tournament at the University of Prince Edward Island, where competitors race to solve complex calculus problems.
• High-interest searches often surround Canadian mathematician and playwright John Mighton, who founded the JUMP Math program and famously appeared in the film Good Will Hunting after initially being considered as a technical consultant.
• Enthusiasts across the country frequently observe a "Pi Minute" at exactly 1:59 PM to complete the sequence of 3.14159, often while sharing traditional Canadian tourtière or fruit pies.
• March 14 also marks a double significance in the scientific community as the birthday of Albert Einstein and the anniversary of the passing of physicist Stephen Hawking.
• Educators like David Petro, a leader in the Ontario Association for Mathematics Education, promote the day to help dispel the "public relations problem" of math by showcasing its beauty in everyday technology like cellular networks.
• Creative works such as the psychological thriller Pi or the documentary The Great Math Mystery often see a resurgence in interest as viewers explore the mystical and practical applications of the infinite constant.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Pi Day

Top things to do in Canada for Pi Day

• Memorize as many digits of Pi as you can (remember, the World Record Holder was able to memorize 70,000 decimal places of pi).
• Eat a pie to celebrate Pi day and earn bonus points if your can calculate Pi for your pie's circumference! Here are some twists on traditional pies that you can try:
  1) Avocado and cream cheese pie
  2) Cheeseburger and pickle pie made from ground beef, cheese, and chopped dill pickles
  3) Mac and Cheese Pie topped with bacon
  4) Hot dog pie covered with a layer of cheese
  5) Twinkie pie topped with whipped cream
• Practice your geometry and algebra equations that contain the constant Pi. Here are some useful formulas to help you:
  Circumference of a circle = 2 πr
  Area of a Circle = π r^2
  Volume of a Cylinder = π r^2h
  where r=radius and h=height
• Visit the Ontario Science Centre: They usually have events on Pi Day including interactive displays and demonstrations that teach more about the beauty of math and the significance of the number pi.
• Attend Pi Day at Discovery Centre: Located in Halifax, the Discovery Centre often plans a day of learning and fun where people can explore math and science in an innovative way. Activities can include pie eating contests, mathematical games, and even chances to throw pies at staff.