What is Pi Day? The day combines math and dessert for a sum that comes full circle

Calling all mathematicians, a day where math and food meet is finally here! 

March 14, Pie Day or Pi (π) Day, honors 3.14 the ratio of the circumference of a circle.

Whether you're challenging yourself to find how many decimal placements are actually in Pi (π) or you're eating your way through the circumference of an apple pie, the day has more history than many people know.

The history of Pi (π)

If anyone thought math was easy as pie, you’d be wrong. Now, we’re grateful to have calculators to compute the equations we can’t in our head, but where’d the number 3.14 even originate from? 

National Pi Day 2024:Get a deal whether you prefer apple, cherry or pizza pie

Before Pi (π) came into fruition, the Babylonians used 3.125 as an estimate of Pi. They reached this number by calculating the perimeter of a hexagon drawn within a circle with the assumption that the hexagon’s perimeter was equal to at least 96% of the circle’s circumference, according to an article by Britannica. 

After centuries of using various shapes to try to get the correct number for Pi (π), Greek mathematician, Archimedes, took a strategic approach to calculate the circumference of a shape that has no sides.

Splitting the circle into two halves, Archimedes came up with an equation that would draw a line from the middle portion of the circle to edge. With the number 3.1418, Archimedes was able to calculate the circumference of a circle, Britannica states. 

It wasn’t until 1706 the Pi (π) symbol was created by British mathematician William Jones. Decades later, Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler made the use of the symbol more popular and a common practice. 

Pi Day, a lot of math with a dash of sweets 

In an effort to make math more fun, physicist Larry Shaw selected March 14 because of 3.14 being first numbers of Pi (π) and a way to celebrate Albert Einstein’s birthday, according to History.com.

On March 14,1988 Shaw and his workplace, the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum based in San Francisco, held a circular parade with a special guest: a fruit cake pie. 

Although the event gained traction, it wasn’t until over two decades later that Pi Day would become a national holiday. 

On March 11, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that made March 14 recognized as National Pi Day, History.com states.

Famous scientists born on Pi Day

If you are born on March 14, you have bragging rights. You share a birthday with some of the most famous scientists in history.

According to Famous Birthdays, the following scientists were all born on March 14: 

• 1835, Giovanni Schiaparelli, an astronomer, identified many phenomena in space, including the relationship between comets and meteors. Schiaparelli is well known for his hypotheses about the topography of Mars. 
• 1849, Victor Bloede,manufactured chemicals to aid in the process of dyeing cotton materials. In addition, Bloede, invented the adhesive on envelopes and stamps. 
• 1879, Albert Einstein, a theoretical physicist, who is most famous for his theory of special relativity. The theory, which states that energy is equaled to mass multiplied by the speed of light squared, or E = mc². 

Sugar lovers beware, Pi Day deals are here 

You might want to pay attention to these Pi Day deals if you have a sweet tooth. 

Burger King is offering its reward members a free Hershey’s Sundae Pie after a purchase of $3.14 or more. 

If you’re feeling a little salty, there’s a deal for you too.

Three dollars and 14 cents is all you’ll need if you’re a rewards member at 7-Eleven. Members can purchase a large any topping pizza for that amount of money on Thursday at participating locations. 

Marie Callender’s is offering some deals online for those who’d prefer to celebrate Pi Day in a private setting. After visiting mariecallendersmeals.com, you can redeem a coupon for $3.14 off select frozen multi-serve dessert pies when you shop online at the following retailers: Amazon Fresh, Kroger and Walmart. This deal is available while supplies last.

Whether you’re celebrating math, science or food deals, Pi Day has one thing in common: it brings everything to a full circle. 

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X @forbesfineest.