Ellipse & Radius Template

Understanding the layout

An ellipse has a horizontal and vertical diameter. When those values are equal, the ellipse becomes a circle. A radius gauge arc instead follows part of a circle defined by its radius. Entering 20 mm as a radius therefore describes a 40 mm full circle, while entering 20 mm as an ellipse width describes a 20 mm horizontal diameter. The controls keep these meanings separate.

Using the sheet

For an oval label or opening, measure the intended full width and height and enter them in ellipse mode. For a curved corner reference, select radius mode and compare the relevant arc with the design. Keep the template in the same plane as the object or drawing when checking a fit. Print one sample and verify it before tracing repeated shapes.

Choosing the settings

Template selects Ellipse or Radius gauge arcs. Ellipse width and Ellipse height are used only for the oval. Gauge radius is used for the circular arc mode. Choose paper that leaves room around the outline; the generator does not squeeze a large requested shape into a smaller page.

A practical example

Select Ellipse with a width of 50 mm and a height of 30 mm. Download the SVG and check the full horizontal and vertical extents. The radii of its two axes are 25 mm and 15 mm. Print at 100% before using it as a physical tracing guide.

Before you print

This is a paper reference, not a precision machining gauge. It does not identify an unknown radius from an image or calculate manufacturing tolerances. Material thickness and cutting method are not included.

Printing and file format help · Check your print scale

Common question

A Printable Paper Lab guide. How these tools and guides are made.