How to Draw a Parabolic Curve (a Curve with Straight Lines)

Last Updated: June 29, 2021

A parabolic curve is a two-dimensional drawing that seems to make a curve. It is very easy to do, and once you master it, the possibilities are endless!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Drawing a Simple Curve with Graph Paper

1
Find graph paper. When you are learning, it is best to use graph paper. If you don't have any graph paper, continue on to method 2.
2
Position the paper lengthwise. Put the paper so the long end is on the bottom/top and the short ends on the side. If you are using square graph paper, you can skip this step.

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3
Using a ruler, draw a line from the top left square to the right of the bottom left cube. Make sure the line is straight.^{[1]
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4
Using the ruler again, draw another line from the second to top left square and two out from the bottom left corner.^{[2]
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5
Continue moving down on the left side, and out on the bottom. Make sure you don't connect the wrong end to wrong end, as it is hard to erase.^{[3]
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6
Repeat until you reach the bottom square on the left side.
7
Finished!

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Drawing a Simple Parabolic Curve without Graph Paper

1
Draw a right angle. The taller you make it, the smoother your Parabolic Curve will be.^{[4]
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2
Add notches, dots, points, etc. on both sides of the angle. Make sure they are evenly spaced and equal on both sides.
3
Using a ruler, draw a line from the top left notch to the right of the bottom left botch. Make sure the line is straight. Repeat with the next notch^{[5]
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4
Using the ruler again, draw another line from the third to top left notch and four out from the bottom left corner.^{[6]
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5
Continue moving down on the left side, and out on the bottom. Make sure you don't connect the wrong end to wrong end, as it is hard to erase.
6
Repeat until you reach the bottom notch on the left side.
7
Finished!

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Draw a Circle Parabolic Curve

1
Draw a circle.^{[7]
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Research source}Use a compass, as it is essential that it is a good circle.
2
Notch the edges of the circle. Notch them in equal distance from each other.
3
Depending on how wide you want you parabolic curve to be, draw a line from one line to another.
4
Continue connecting the notches with lines. Continue as needed.
5
You're finished when you are at where you started.
6
Finished!

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Other ways to draw a Parabolic Curve

1
Draw it as a cube. This is a really cool doodle that isn't too hard. Simply draw the cube first, then use the angles of the cube to make the curves.
2
Make it using yarn or string. This is even cooler than doing it on paper!
3
Draw a parabolic curve using an angle greater or less than 90°. This makes the curve narrower or wider.
4
Draw three parabolic curves inside a triangle. This makes a three-sided star.
5
Combine parabolic curve sections to make a work of art!

Community Q&A

Question

How do I change my layout from square to round?

Community Answer

Use a compass to draw a circle, as shown in the example. This can be done on any type of paper.
Question

How do I make a parabolic curve without a ruler?

Community Answer

Use the edge of a piece of paper or anything straight, or go freehand. Visually guess the distances if you don't have graph paper.
Question

How do I draw the center of a parabola?

Community Answer

Technically the center of a parabola is undefined since a parabola exists infinitely.