Pi Day is celebrated every year on March 14 to honor the mathematical constant π (pi), one of the most fascinating numbers in mathematics. The date – written as 3/14 in the American format – represents the first three digits of pi (3.14).
The Origin of Pi Day
Pi Day was first celebrated in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw (August 12, 1939 – August 19, 2017)1 at the Exploratorium, a science museum in San Francisco. Shaw, affectionately known as the “Prince of Pi,” started the idea by linking the date 3/14 (which is also Albert Einstein’s birthday) with the digits of π and organizing a small gathering where staff marched around a circular space and ate fruit pies2,3. The celebration grew each year, eventually becoming an official public event at the museum.
In 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives recognized March 14 as National Pi Day4.
How to Celebrate Pi Day
Pi Day blends mathematics with fun and creativity. Around the world, math enthusiasts and schools celebrate with circular treats and numerical trivia:
- Pie-eating and pie-throwing contests inspired by the pun “pi/pie.”
- Competitions to recite the digits of pi from memory.
- Math-themed art, puzzles, and classroom challenges.
- Food discounts on pizza and pie at restaurants recognizing the connection between circles and pi.
In Princeton, New Jersey, Pi Day is combined with celebrations of Einstein’s birthday, where locals participate in look-alike contests, math workshops, and even historical reenactments5.
In 2013, Jonathan M. Borwein, a Scottish mathematician specialist of Pi, gave a talk entitled The Life of π: History and Computation on March 14th, at 3.14 pm6.
A special issue of American Scientist, entitled Pi Day, a Celebration of Mathematics, was published in 20217.
Do you celebrate Pi Day ?
Are you celebrating Pi Day yourself ? Or do you have examples of celebrations in your country ? Please let us know in the comments below !
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Shaw_(physicist) ↩︎
- https://abc7news.com/post/pi-day-2025-what-know-march-14-holiday-celebrate-maths-beloved-irrational-number/11650529/ ↩︎
- https://www.exploratorium.edu/pi-day/pi-day-history ↩︎
- The resolution can be found here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-resolution/224/text ↩︎
- https://www.onetravel.com/going-places/celebrate-pi-day-like-a-true-nerd/ ↩︎
- https://carmamaths.org/resources/jon/piday.pdf ↩︎
- Available in PDF format here: https://www.americanscientist.org/system/files/american_scientist_pi_day_premium.pdf ↩︎
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