Pi Day Activity: Digits of Pi Paper Chain
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Looking for an engaging Pi Day activity for kids? Try this Digits of Pi Paper chain!
Pi Day is one of those fun math holidays that kids actually enjoy celebrating. Every year on March 14 (3/14), students around the world celebrate the mathematical constant π (pi).
Pi represents the relationship between a circle’s circumference (distance around the circle) and its diameter (distance across the circle). No matter the size of the circle, that ratio is always about 3.14.
One interesting thing about pi is that its digits never end and never repeat in a predictable pattern. The number continues forever:
3.14159265358979323846…
A fun way for kids to explore this idea is by building a Pi Day Paper Chain, where each colored link represents a digit of pi. This simple craft turns math into something visual and hands-on while helping students see how long and fascinating this number really is.
Pi Day Paper Chain Activity
In this activity, students create a paper chain where each link represents one digit of pi.
By following a color key, students build the number one link at a time. As the chain grows longer, kids can see how the digits of pi appear random and unpredictable.
This is a great hands-on Pi Day activity for classrooms, homeschool groups, or families celebrating math together.
Supplies
- colored paper
- scissors or paper cutter
- tape or stapler
- Digits of pi color key
Prepare the Paper Strips
Cut your colored paper into strips. I used my paper cutter and sliced them 8.5 inches by about 2 inches. Each paper strip will represent one digit of pi.
Color Key for the Digits of Pi
Assign a color to each number so students can easily follow the sequence.
| Number | Color |
|---|---|
| 0 | Light Blue |
| 1 | Red |
| 2 | Orange |
| 3 | Yellow |
| 4 | Green |
| 5 | Blue |
| 6 | Purple |
| 7 | Pink |
| 8 | Light Green |
| 9 | Black |
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Write the number on each strip so students can clearly follow the sequence. You can adjust the colors depending on the construction paper you have available.
First Digits of Pi
Students can start with the beginning digits of pi: 3.14159265358979323846
Example:
3 → yellow strip
1 → red strip
4 → green strip
1 → red strip
5 → blue strip
Each digit becomes one link in the chain.
How to Build the Pi Paper Chain
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Look at the first digit of pi.
-
Using the color key, choose the paper color that matches the number.
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Write the number on the strip (optional).
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Form the strip into a loop and tape or staple it closed.
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Slide the next strip through the first loop.
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Tape or staple the second loop closed.
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Continue linking strips together following the digits of pi.
As the chain grows, you will notice that the colors appear mixed and unpredictable, which shows how the digits of pi do not repeat in a simple pattern.
Free Pi Day Printable
To make this activity easy for teachers, I created a one-page printable that includes the color key, the first digits of pi, and simple instructions for building the chain.
Teachers can print the page and give it directly to students for an easy Pi Day activity.
Download it Now!Â
What This Pi Paper Chain Teaches
This activity helps kids understand several math concepts:
- π is a never-ending number
- the digits appear random
- math patterns can be visualized with color
It also gives students practice with:
- number recognition
- sequencing
- following patterns
Best of all, it turns an abstract math concept into something colorful, creative, and memorable.
Celebrate Pi Day With Hands-On Math
Pi Day is the perfect opportunity to make math fun. Activities like this pi paper chain help kids see that numbers are more than just equations—they can be explored, built, and even turned into art.
Whether you’re celebrating Pi Day at home or in the classroom, this Pi Day Paper Chain is a simple activity that helps kids discover the fascinating mystery of pi.
