Enter the semi-major axis, semi-minor axis, and focal distance into the calculator to determine the properties of the ellipse.

Ellipse Calculation Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the eccentricity of an ellipse.

e = √(1 - (b² / a²))

Variables:

  • e is the eccentricity
  • a is the semi-major axis
  • b is the semi-minor axis

To calculate the eccentricity, plug in the values of the semi-major axis and the semi-minor axis into the formula.

What is Ellipse Calculation?

Ellipse calculation refers to the process of determining various properties of an ellipse such as its eccentricity, focal distance, and the lengths of its axes. Understanding these properties is crucial in various fields of science and engineering where ellipses are commonly encountered.

How to Calculate Ellipse Properties?

The following steps outline how to calculate the properties of an ellipse using the given formula.


  1. First, determine the values of the semi-major axis (a) and the semi-minor axis (b).
  2. Next, determine the focal distance (c).
  3. Use the formula from above: e = √(1 – (b² / a²)).
  4. Finally, calculate the eccentricity by plugging in the values.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Semi-Major Axis (a) = 10