What is Pi Day?

Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159.

Pi has been calculated to over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point. As an irrational and transcendental number, it will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern. While only a handful of digits are needed for typical calculations, Pi’s infinite nature makes it a fun challenge to memorize, and to computationally calculate more and more digits.

Most can recite the first three digits of pi (3.14), and each year, you’ll undoubtedly encounter someone who proudly rattles off at least 10 digits. Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs managed to recite 48, for instance, which led to a reporter getting a pie in the face.

The New York Jets offered their own take on the Pi Day celebrations, writing out the first 53 digits of pi using images of Jets jersey numbers.