Enter the distance from the center to the vertex and the distance from the center to the co-vertex to determine the ellipse foci. This calculator can also determine the distance from the center to the vertex or co-vertex given the other variables.

Ellipse Foci Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the ellipse focus point or foci.

f = sqrt (a^2 - b^2)
  • Where F is the foci
  • a is the distance from the center to the vertex (also known as the center to the furthest point)
  • b is the distance from the center to the co-vertex (center to shortest point

To calculate an ellipse foci, square the distance from the center to the vertex and square the distance from the center to the co-vertex, subtract the latter from the former, then take the square root of the result.

Ellipse Foci Definition

An ellipse foci is defined as the locus of points in which the sum of the distance to each focus point is constant.

Ellipse Foci Example

How to calculate an ellipse foci?

  1. First, determine the distance to the vertex.

    Measure the furthest distance from the center to the edge of the ellipse.

  2. Next, determine the distance to the co-vertex.

    Measure the closest distance from the center to an edge.

  3. Finally, calculate the foci.

    Using the formula above, calculate the foci.

FAQ

What is an ellipse foci?

An ellipse foci is the distance from the center of an ellipse to it’s focus points and is a measure of the elongation of the ellipse.

ellipse foci calculator
ellipse foci formula