1

COMMON FORMULAE FOR REGULAR STAR POLYGON

Ara. Kalaimaran
Civil Engineering Division, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai-20, Tamil Nadu, India.
email: klmaran@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
A "Regular Star Polygon" {p/q} with p, q are positive integers is a self-intersecting equilateral
equiangular polygon, created by connecting with straight lines every qth point out of p regularly
spaced points lying on a circumference, p-sided polygon to another, non-adjacent vertex and
continuing the process until the original vertex is reached again. The star polygons were first
systematically studied by Thomas Bradwardine. However, there is no formula exists for the
calculation of area, perimeter and etc. Now formulae have been developed for such parameters
such as Area, Side length, Perimeter, External angle, Internal angle and Radius of in-circle of
regular star polygon and proven with appropriate examples by comparing with AutoCAD
drawings.
Keywords: Vertex/Vertices, Regular Polygon, Pentagram, Hexagram, Regular Star Polygon and
Stellations.

INTRODUCTION
A Regular Star Polygon {p/q} of integers p and q, it can be considered as being constructed by
connecting every qth point out of p points regularly spaced in a circular placement. The number
‘q’ is called the Polygon density of the star polygon (Wolfram Research Inc., 2015). The notation
for such a polygon is {p/q}, which is equal to {p/p-q}, where, q < p/2. Regular star polygons can
be produced when p and q are relatively prime (they share no factors). A regular star polygon can
also be represented as a sequence of stellations (Wolfram Research Inc., 2015). of a convex
regular core polygon.
A further complication comes when we compound two or more star polygons, as for example
two pentagrams, differing by a rotation of 36°, inscribed in a decagon. This is correctly written in
the form k{n/m}, as 2{5/2}, rather than the commonly used {10/4}.
Dr. Robert S. Wilson, Sonoma State University, CA, USA has defined in his paper vide theorem
5.5a, 5.5b & 5.5c (Dr. Ruben Armiñana, 2015) idea about a method to calculate the area of a star
polygon. However, there is no proper formula for it.
Er. Romel Tarcelo F.Verterra, Civil Engineer, Philippines has described some methods to
calculate the area of a Pentagram and Hexagram which are particular star polygons (Romel
Tarcelo F. Verterra, 2015).

Star polygons feature prominently in art and culture. Some examples for its applications
generally recognized symbol for their religious usage.
 The {5/2} star pentagon is historically has been considered by many magical and religious
cults to have occult significance.
 The {6/2} star polygons, the hexagram is used as Star of David & Seal of Solomon.
 The {7/2} and {7/3} star polygons also have occult significance, particularly in the Kabbalah
and in Wicca.

Paper presented in “International conference on TC-IFES-2015” held on 1st & 2nd May, 2015 at CLRI, Chennai, T.N, India
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 The {8/2} star polygon, which is used by Hindus to symbolize “Ashtalakshmi”. This symbol
appears prominently in the Lugash National Museum portrayed in the fictional film “Return
of the Pink Panther”.
 The {8/3} star polygon called Octagram is in the coat of arms of Azerbaijan.
 The stellations of {10/3} star polygon, which apparently has been used on the tomb of “Shah
Nematollah Vali Shrine” at Mahan, Southern Iran.
 The {16/6} star polygon, which are frequent geometrical motifs in Persian art and
architecture.

METHODOLOGY
The area, side length, perimeter, internal angle, external angle and diameter of a ‘p’-sided (in this
case, p = 9) regular star polygon (Weisstein Eric W, 2003) with respect to different ‘q’ values like
q = 2, 3 & 4 are mathematically derived using basic geometrical concepts. Afterwards, all these
formulae are studied, analysed and investigated. Finally, the common formulae are established.
The method of arriving the common formulae is detailed below.

Regular Star Polygon {p/2}

Fig.1 is the picture regular polygon (Weisstein Eric W, 2003) called as Nonagon. Points
ABCDEFGHJ are the vertex of the regular Nonagon. It is constructed by connecting every
second vertex (Weisstein Eric W, 2003) out of ‘p’ number of vertices regularly spaced in a circular
placement continuing the process until the original vertex is reached again. Points
PQRSTUVWZ are the intersection points of the diagonals (Weisstein Eric W, 2003).

Fig.1: Diagram of Regular Star Polygon {p/2}

Let Area of the Nonagon is AP and Area of the star polygon is A. Since it is Nonagon, p =
9 and the star is formed by connecting its second vertex counted from next vertex. Let ‘a’ is
length of any one of the sides ∠AMP = 90° and φ° is the ∠PAB.

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(i) Area of the star polygon {p/2} in terms of base width (a)
Let AB = a,
PM
In right − triangle AMP, tan φ° = a
( ⁄2)
a tan φ°
Therefore, PM = − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − (1.1)
2
pa2 cot θ°
(
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑦𝑔𝑜𝑛 Weisstein Eric W, 2003 P = )(A ) − − − −(1.2)
4
180°
Where, φ° = θ° = − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −(1.3)
p
1
Area of the ∆ ABP = ∆ BCQ = ∆ CDR = ∆ DES = ∆ ETA … ∆ JZA = × a × PM
2
Substituting eqn. (1.1) in above,
a2 tan φ°
Area of the ∆ ABP =
4
pa2 tan φ°
Total Area of the ∆ ABP, ∆ BCQ, ∆ CDR, ∆ DES, ∆ ETA and … ∆ JZA = (AT ) =
4
∴ Area of the regular Star polygon APBQCRDSETFUGVHWJZ = (A) = AP − AT
pa2 cot θ° pa2 tan φ°
∴A=( )−( )
4 4
pa2 180° 180°
∴A= [cot ( ) − tan ( )] − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −(1.4)
4 p p
Note: In this case, p = 9

(ii) Perimeter of the star polygon {p/2} in terms of base width (a)
p
Let, perimeter of the regular star polygon { } = P
2
AM
In right − triangle AMP, cos φ° =
AP
(a⁄2)
Therefore, AP =
cos φ°
a
∴ AP =
2 cos φ°
a
∴ AP = − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −(1.5)
2 cos φ°
P = AP + PB + BQ + QC + CR + RD + DS + SE + ET + TF + FU + UG + GV + ⋯ + JZ + ZA
We know that AP = PB = BQ = QC = CR = RD = DS = SE = ET = ⋯ = ZA
Substituting, (1.5)
a
Pereimeter (P) = 2 × p × ( )
2cos φ°
Substituting, (1.3)
pa
∴ Pereimeter (P) = − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −(1.6)
cos(180°⁄p)

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Regular Star Polygon {p/3}

Fig.2 is the regular Nonagon. Points ABCDEFGHJ are the vertex of the regular Nonagon. It is
constructed by connecting every third vertex out of ‘p’ number of vertices regularly spaced in a
circular placement and continuing the process until the original vertex is reached again. Points
PQRSTUVWZ are the intersection points of the diagonals.

Let Area of the Nonagon is AP and Area of the 9 − sided star polygon is A. Since it is
Nonagon, p = 9 and the star is formed by connecting its second vertex counted from next vertex.
Let ‘a’ is length of any one of the sides ∠AMP = 90° and φ° is the ∠PAB.

(i) Area of the star polygon {p/3} in terms of base width (a)
PM
In right − triangle AMP, tan φ° = a
( ⁄2)
a tan φ°
Therefore, PM = − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − (2.1)
2
pa2 cot θ°
Area of the enclosed regular polygon (AP ) = − − − − − − − − − −(2.2)
4
180°
Where, φ° = 2θ° = 2 × ( ) − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −(2.3)
p

Fig.2: Diagram of Regular Star Polygon {p/3}

1
Area of the ∆ ABP = ∆ BCQ = ∆ CDR = ∆ DES = ∆ ETA … ∆ JZA = × a × PM
2
Substituting eqn. (2.1) in above,
a2 tan φ°
Area of the ∆ ABP =
4
pa2 tan φ°
Total Area of the ∆ ABP, ∆ BCQ, ∆ CDR, ∆ DES, ∆ ETA and … ∆ JZA = (AT ) =
4
∴ Area of the regular Star polygon APBQCRDSETFUGVHWJZ = A = AP − AT

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pa2 cot θ° pa2 tan φ°

∴A=( )−( )
4 4
Substituting, eqn. (2.3) in above
pa2 180° 180°
∴A= [cot ( ) − tan (2 × )] − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −(2.4)
4 p p
Note: In this case, p = 9

(ii) Perimeter of the star polygon {p/3} in terms of base width (a)
p
Let, perimeter of the regular star polygon { } = P
2
AF
In right − triangle AFP, cos φ° =
AP
(𝑎⁄2)
Therefore, AP =
cos φ°
a
∴ AP =
2 cos φ°
a
∴ AP = − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −(2.5)
2 cos φ°
Perimeter (P) = AP + PB + BQ + QC + CR + RD + DS + SE + ET + TF + ⋯ + WA
We know that AP = PB = BQ = QC = CR = RD = DS = SE = ET = ⋯ = ZA
Substituting, (2.5)
a
Pereimeter (P) = 2p × ( )
2cos φ°
Substituting, eqn. (2.3)
pa
∴ Pereimeter (P) = − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − (2.6)
cos[2 × (180°⁄p)]
Regular Star Polygon {p/4}
Fig. 3 is the regular Nonagon. Points ABCDEFGHJ are the vertex of the Nonagon. It is
constructed by connecting every fourth vertex out of ‘p’ number of vertices regularly spaced in a
circular placement and continuing the process until the original vertex is reached again. Points
PQRSTUVWZ are the intersection points of the diagonals.

Let Area of the Nonagon is AT and Area of the sided Star polygon is A.
Let a is any one of the sides and φ° is the ∠PAB. M is number of sides of polygon.

(i) Area of the star polygon {p/4} in terms of base width (a)
PM
In right − triangle AMP, tan φ° = a
( ⁄2)
a tan φ°
Therefore, PM = − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −(3.1)
2
pa2 cot θ°
Area of the enclosed regular polygon (AP ) = − − − − − − − − − −(3.2)
4
180°
Where, φ° = 3θ° = 3 × ( ) − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −(3.3)
p

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1 a2 tan φ°
Area of the ∆ ABP = ∆ BCQ = ∆ CDR = ∆ DES = ⋯ = ∆ JZA = × a × PM =
2 4
pa2 tan φ°
Total Area of the ∆ ABP, ∆ BCQ, ∆ CDR, ∆ DES … ∆ JZA = (AT ) =
4
Let, Area of the regular Star polygon APBQCRDSETFUGVHWJZ with respect to φ° = A
Therefore, A= AP − AT
pa2 cot θ° pa2 tan φ°
∴A=( )−( )
4 4
pa2 180° 180°
∴A= [cot ( ) − tan (3 × )] − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −(3.4)
4 p p

Fig.3: Diagram of Regular Star Polygon {p/4}

(ii) Perimeter of the star polygon {p/4} in terms of base width (a)
AV
In right − triangle AVP, cos φ° =
AP
(a⁄2)
Therefore, AP =
cos φ°
a
∴ AP =
2 cos φ°
a
∴ AP = − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −(3.5)
2 cos φ°
Perimeter (P) = AP + PB + BQ + QC + CR + RD + DS + SE + ET + TF + ⋯ + WA
We know that AP = PB = BQ = QC = CR = RD = DS = SE = ET = ⋯ = ZA
pa
Therefore, Pereimeter (P) =
cos φ°
pa
∴ Perimeter (P) =
cos(3θ°)
Substituting, eqn. (3.3) in above

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pa
∴ Perimeter (P) = − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −(3.6)
cos[3 × (180°⁄p)]
Determination of common formula to calculate Area and Perimeter and other parameters
of a regular star polygon.
Now the equations 1.4, 2.4 and 3.4, are analysed and a common formula for area of a regular star
polygon is developed.

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐠𝐨𝐧 {𝐩/𝐪}

From the equations 1.4, 2.4 & 3.4 it is understand that
pa2 180° 180°
(i)For star polygon {p⁄2}, Area = [cot ( ) − tan ( )]
4 p p
p pa2 180° 180°
(ii)For star polygon { ⁄3}, Area = [cot ( ) − tan (2 × )]
4 p p
pa2 180° 180°
(iii)For star polygon {p⁄3}, Area = [cot ( ) − tan (3 × )]
4 p p
Similarly, formula for all other parameters also developed.

Therefore,
p
The common formulae for star polygon { ⁄q} are

pa2
Area of star polygon (A) = [cot θ° − tan(q − 1)θ°] − − − − − − − − − (4.1)
4

a
Side length of rergular star polygon (b) = − − − − − − − −(4.2)
2cos[(q − 1)θ°]

pa
Perimeter of star polygon (P) = 2pb = − − − − − − − − − −(4.3)
cos[(q − 1)θ°]

External angle of regular Star Polygon (φ°) = (q − 1)θ° − − − − − − − − − (4.4)

Internal angle of regular Star Polygon (δ°) = (p − 2q)θ° − − − − − − − − − −(4.5)

a
Radius of in circle (s) = [cotθ° − tan(q − 1)θ°] − − − − − − − − − − − −(4.6)
2

Where, θ° = 180°/p, ‘a’ is the shortest distance between two adjacent vertices of the star, ‘p’ is the
number of sides of regular polygon which will be calculated, if polygon will be formed. ‘q’ is the
number counted like that to form a star every qth vertex is connected.

The eqns. 4.1 to 4.6 are the formulae to calculate the Area, Side length, Perimeter, External
angle, Internal angle and Radius of in-circle of a regular star polygon {p/q} respectively.

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RESULT & DISCUSSION

The accuracy of all these formulae for Area, Side length, Perimeter, External angle, Internal
angle and Radius of in-circle can be verified with actual AutoCAD drawings.

Fig.4: Diagram of Regular Star Polygon {5/2} Fig.5: Diagram of Regular Star Polygon {6/2}

Fig.6: Diagram of Regular Star Polygon {7/2} Fig.7: Diagram of Regular Star Polygon {7/3}

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Fig.8: Diagram of Regular Star Polygon {8/2} Fig.9: Diagram of Regular Star Polygon {8/3}

Some example drawings are drawn using AutoCAD shown above and its results are tabulated
below vide Table-1, Table-2 and Table-3 for ready reference and it is a proof for the accuracy of
the formulae.

p Calculated Value
S. No. { ⁄q} p q a θ°
φ° using (4.4) δ° using (4.5)
1 {5⁄2} 5 2 6.0000 36° 36° 36°
2 {6⁄2} 6 2 4.9797 60° 30° 60°
3 {7⁄2} 7 2 3.5120 25° 42' 51.4" 25° 42' 51.4" 77° 08' 34.3"
4 {7⁄3} 7 3 3.5120 25° 42' 51.4" 51° 25' 42.9" 25° 42' 51.4"
5 {8⁄2} 8 2 3.5824 22° 30' 22°30' 90°
6 {8⁄3} 8 3 3.5824 22° 30' 45° 45°
7 {9⁄2} 9 2 2.6048 20° 20° 100°
8 {9⁄3} 9 3 2.6048 20° 40° 60°
9 {9⁄4} 9 4 2.6048 20° 60° 20°
Table 1: Calculated value of φ° and δ°

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Side length ‘b’ Rad. of in-circle ‘s’

p
S. No. { ⁄q} p q a θ° using From using From
(4.2) Drawing (4.6) Drawing
1 {5⁄2} 5 2 6.0000 36° 3.7082 3.7082 1.9495 1.9495
2 {6⁄2} 6 2 4.9797 60° 2.8750 2.8750 2.8750 2.8750
3 {7⁄2} 7 2 3.5120 26° 1.9490 1.9490 2.8007 2.8007
4 {7⁄3} 7 3 3.5120 26° 2.8164 2.8164 1.4444 1.4444
5 {8⁄2} 8 2 3.5824 22° 30' 1.9388 1.9388 3.5824 3.5824
6 {8⁄3} 8 3 3.5824 22° 30' 2.5331 2.5332 2.5331 2.5332
7 {9⁄2} 9 2 2.6048 20° 1.3860 1.3860 3.1043 3.1043
8 {9⁄3} 9 3 2.6048 20° 1.7002 1.7002 2.4855 2.4855
9 {9⁄4} 9 4 2.6048 20° 2.6048 2.6048 1.3225 1.3225
Table 2: Comparison of ‘s’ & ‘b’ result obtained
by the formulae and AutoCAD drawing

Area (A) Perimeter (P)

𝑝
S. No. { ⁄𝑞 } p q a θ° Using As per Using As per
eqn. 4.1 Drawing eqn. 4.3 Drawing
1 {5⁄2} 5 2 6.0000 36° 29.2428 29.2428 37.0820 37.0820
2 {6⁄2} 6 2 4.9797 60° 42.9504 42.9500 34.5004 34.5002
3 {7⁄2} 7 2 3.5120 26° 34.4265 34.4261 27.2862 27.2860
4 {7⁄3} 7 3 3.5120 26° 17.7548 17.7546 39.4297 39.4294
5 {8⁄2} 8 2 3.5824 22° 30' 51.3344 51.3536 31.0205 31.0133
6 {8⁄3} 8 3 3.5824 22° 30' 36.2989 36.2998 40.5302 40.5308
7 {9⁄2} 9 2 2.6048 20° 36.3871 36.3878 24.9477 24.9480
8 {9⁄3} 9 3 2.6048 20° 29.1337 29.1342 30.6029 30.6032
9 {9⁄4} 9 4 2.6048 20° 15.5017 15.5020 46.8864 46.8868
Table 3: Comparison of Area & Perimeter obtained by the formulae
4.1 & 4.3 and result from AutoCAD drawings

CONCLUSION
The regular Star-Polygon is one of the geometrical figures. The mathematical formulae for Area,
Side length, Perimeter, Internal angle, External angle and Radius of in-circle have been
developed now which are not available so far are shown vide eqn. Nos. 4.1 to 4.6 in order to
determine these exact values. These formulae have been proved with appropriate examples in
table-1, table-2 and table-3.

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 11

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This article is dedicated to my Father: Shri. P. Arangasamy (Late), Mother: Smt. A. Saroja
(Late), Brother-in-law Er. P. Durairaj, Proprietor cum Managing Director- Oman Road and
Engg. Contracting Company, LLC, Oman. Wife: K. Ahalya, Son: K. Kirthivasan and Daughter:
K. Narmadda. My special thanks to all my teachers in P.U.E. School- Manalagaram in Sirkali
Taluk, teachers in L.M.C.Higher Secondary School, Sirkali. teachers in S.M.H.Higher Secondary
School, Sirkali, Nagai Dist. T.N, and Lecturers & Professors in A.C.C.E & T- Karaikudi,
Sivagangai Dist., T.N. I am very thankful to Dr. Satish. R.Wate, Director-CLRI and
Dr. V. Kasirao, Head-Documentation, CLRI, Chennai for giving opportunity for this presentation
of my paper in the International conference on TC-IFES-2015.

REFERENCES
Books:
1. Weisstein Eric W (2003). CRC Concise Encyclopaedia of Mathematics, 2nd edition,
New York, CRC Press of Wolfram Research Inc., p.2840, 2522, 3152, 716 and 2523.

Websites:
1 Dr. Ruben Armiñana, President, Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Avenue,
Rohnert Park, California 94928-3609, “The area and perimeter of stars” (online)
Available at: http://www.sonoma.edu/users/w/wilsonst/papers/stars/A-P/default.html
2 Romel Tarcelo F. Verterra, Area of five-pointed star (online), MATHalino-Engineering
Mathematics, Philippines, Available at: http://www.mathalino.com/reviewer/plane-
geometry/area-of-regular-five-pointed-star
3 Wolfram Research Inc., 100 Trade Center Drive, Champaign, IL 61820-7237, USA,
Star Polygon (online), Available at:
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/PolygonDensity.html
4 Wolfram Research Inc., 100 Trade Center Drive, Champaign, IL 61820-7237, USA,
Star Polygon (online), Available at: http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Stellation.html

Paper presented in “International conference on TC-IFES-2015” held on 1st & 2nd May, 2015 at CLRI, Chennai, T.N, India