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

• While the date 3/14 naturally aligns with the first three digits of the mathematical constant, the upcoming observance on March 14, 2026, falls on a Saturday, providing a full weekend for Canadians to participate in community events and local science centre workshops.
• The official theme for the 2026 International Day of Mathematics, which is celebrated concurrently with Pi Day, is Math and Hope, focusing on how mathematical solutions can address global challenges.
• Canadian pride in the field is often highlighted by the legacy of the Borwein brothers, Jonathan and Peter, who were renowned mathematicians at Dalhousie University and Simon Fraser University known for discovering sophisticated algorithms that significantly accelerated the calculation of pi's digits.
• In a unique crossover between mathematics and the culinary arts, many Canadians celebrate the day by consuming tourtière, a traditional French-Canadian meat pie, alongside the standard sweet varieties.
• Students across the country often participate in the Astro Pi challenge, a competition supported by the Canadian Space Agency where participants write code that can be run on specialized computers aboard the International Space Station.
• The Canadian record for the most digits of pi memorized and recited belongs to Chun Wang, who successfully recited 8,148 digits in March 2017.
• Pi Day also serves as a global tribute to physics, as it marks the birthday of theoretical physicist Albert Einstein and is the anniversary of the passing of Stephen Hawking in 2018.
• A popular visual curiosity shared online is that when the numbers 3.14 are written and viewed in a mirror, they appear to spell the word PIE.
• Many higher education institutions, such as the University of Waterloo, maintain a long-standing tradition of distributing free slices of pie to students and alumni to foster engagement with the STEM fields.

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.