How to Calculate Pi Using Hotdogs

Imagine this: take a hotdog, measure its length, and then draw several parallel lines spaced exactly the length of the hotdog apart—make them 8 to 10 times longer than the hotdog itself. Now, throw a bunch of hotdogs at these lines. Will they land in between the lines or cross them?

This fun experiment is known as Buffon’s Needle Problem, and it’s as entertaining as it sounds! By counting how many hotdogs cross the lines (from a large number of throws), you can calculate Pi. To try this yourself, divide the number of hotdogs that cross the lines by 2, and then take the total number of throws and divide it by that result.

Here's a humorous 7-minute YouTube video featuring a young woman testing this concept with 200 hotdog throws. She even composed a catchy hotdog-tossing tune. Enjoy!

Now you have a fun fact to share on Pi Day! Alternatively, you could simply bake a pie, bring it to work, and enjoy the punny appreciation it garners.

My love for science led me to establish Pi/Pie Day celebrations at every job I held. Given that my colleagues were mostly patent attorneys with a flair for math and science, they were always enthusiastic participants.

One memorable year, a scientist crafted a pie with a full crust cut into the shape of Pi, allowing the dark berries to peek through. He took home the prize that year. Another time, an attorney used a Pi-shaped pie dish, winning accolades for creativity. There was even a savory curry pea pie—because who wouldn’t smile at “pea pie”? That was so good it sparked a new trend for savory pies, resulting in two pie prizes each year.

Over the years, I've baked numerous pies including cherry, pumpkin, rhubarb, lemon meringue, and my mom's famous pecan pie, a cherished favorite. I believe she got the recipe from the Karo syrup label, so here’s a link to the Karo pecan pie recipe.

Whether you're drawn in by the mathematical humor or the delicious desserts, I hope you enjoy at least 3.14159 times more fun this Pi Day/Pie Day!

Pi Day for Kids: Learning and Fun

To explore Pi Day in a way that's engaging for children, check out this informative YouTube video that introduces the concept of Pi, its digits, and fun activities related to the celebration.