Are we going in circles? Oh, no, wait, this is an oval shape! 😉 Keep reading to learn all about the oval including an oval definition, how to find the area of an oval, and how to draw an oval, such as an oval face shape. Yep, that’s all right here; plus, snag a printable oval template!
I’m really excited to share the oval printable with you today. Okay, full disclosure, I’m always excited to share a new printable, but seriously, this oval shape printable is special. There’s just so much you can do with it!
Not convinced? Here are some fun ideas for how to use the printable oval template:
- Art project – Use the oval shape to to help your child (or yourself) learn how to draw an oval or oval shape objects such as an oval head shape. And if you’d rather have something a bit simpler, get a whole heaping helping of free printable coloring pages here.
- Game – This oval printable could be used to create a homemade scavenger hunt. For example, give your child the picture of a shape and challenge him or her to find objects around the house that are also that shape. So if you gave your child the oval he or she would look for oval shape objects like eggs! You could also create a matching game out of various shapes to help your child develop shape recognition and visual memory skills. Matching games are also a great way to help your kid learn his or her ABCs and 123s; download free printable bubble letters and bubble numbers here.
- Educational aid – Use the oval printable to help your child better understand various math concepts like oval circle differences and how to find the perimeter of an oval.
Bonus: If you want to keep the good times rolling, head to the Freebie Finding Mom shop to get my 132-page shapes bundle now!
In this 132-page printable shapes worksheets bundle in the Freebie Finding Mom shop you’ll get printable shape tracing worksheets, matching shapes worksheets, shapes coloring pages, counting shapes worksheets, shape pattern worksheets, printable shapes, 2D shapes charts, and shapes flashcards. If you need preschool shapes worksheets or shapes worksheets for kindergarten, you’ll find that and more here! Snag this incredible shapes bundle now!
Fun fact: Did you know that oval in Spanish is still “oval?” Yep, when you use the word oval in Spanish as an adjective, it’s spelled the same way it is in English! However, if you’re using oval in Spanish as a noun it’s spelled “óvalo.” I just had to share that bit of trivia with you; now, back to your regularly scheduled programming!
First, An Oval Definition
I bet if I asked you “what is an oval,” you could summon up a picture of an oval or at least of oval shape objects (like eggs). However, putting an oval definition into words is a little harder, right? If you agree, you aren’t alone.
In fact, many of the oval definitions online include words like “vague” or “imprecise.” Here’s how I would define an oval: Derived from the Latin word “ovus,” which means “egg,” mathematically, an oval is a two dimensional curve that resembles a squished circle. An oval may have only one axis of symmetry, unlike ellipses, which have two.
By definition, ovals have no straight lines and no vertices (points). Some oval shape objects in the real world include eggs and most athletic tracks and ice skating rinks. If you still aren’t totally sure what an oval looks like, just skip down a bit and take a look at the printable oval template.
Oval, circle—what’s the difference?
What sets an oval and a circle apart? Well, we already have an oval definition, but a good circle definition is a two dimensional closed shape that has no straight lines, corners, or edges. (Sounding pretty similar to an oval so far, right?) However, a circle is a set of points that are a fixed distance from a fixed center point. All of these points are the same distance from the center.
Download the Printable Oval Shape
And that’s the basics of the oval shape! Nothing too crazy right? You now have a good oval definition and know oval circle differences.
Before we move on, take a second to download the oval printable below. Trust me, it’s going to come in handy for everything from finding the area of an oval to learning how to draw an oval face shape!
Bonus: Looking for a bright spot in your day? What could be better than the pre-colored free printable oval shape? Hehe, get it? Bright spot and a colored oval (which is sort of like a spot)? 😉
For younger kids, these printable oval tracing worksheets may be more their speed.
How to Find the Circumference of an Oval
The circumference (or perimeter) of an oval is just the total length of the shape’s outline. When you’re dealing with a straight sided shape, like a square, this measurement is referred to as “perimeter.” In a rounded shape, like a circle (or oval), the correct terminology is circumference.
So how do you find the circumference of an oval? That’s going to depend on what the oval looks like. For the purposes of this post, we’re going to assume that the oval is an ellipse and thus has a major axis and a minor axis.
The major axis of an oval spans the entire length, running through the center point and connecting the two farthest points of the oval. The minor axis is perpendicular to the major axis; it also runs through the center point and connects the two closest points of the oval.
If you know the major axis and minor axis of the oval, this is the formula you can use to find the circumference (or perimeter): Circumference = 2 * π * √((a²+b²) / 2)
Whoa, don’t panic! Let’s break this down. Here’s what all the symbols in that formula stand for:
- π symbolizes pie, use the value 3.14 in the formula.
- “a” symbolizes the major axis of the oval.
- “b” symbolizes the minor axis of the oval.
- √ symbolizes “square root.” You can read more about how to find square root here.
- The little ² symbolizes squared; to solve this you just multiple a number by itself.
In order to solve this formula, you’ll need to remember your order of operations:
- Parentheses
- Exponents
- Multiplication or Division
- Addition or Subtraction
That means in order to solve the formula, you’ll first want to solve anything in parentheses.
How to Find the Area of an Oval
Okay, ready for the next mathematical concept? Let’s talk about finding the area of ovals … right after we define area. When you’re asked to find the area of an object, whether it’s an oval or your backyard, what you’re being asked for is the total space within the object in question.
For the purposes of this post, we’re once again going to assume you’re dealing with an oval that is an ellipse. You will need to know what the major axis and minor axis are. Once you have that information, here is the formula to find the area of an oval: Area = π * (a / 2) * (b / 2).
In that formula, “a” is your major axis and “b” is your minor axis. You will divide both of those by 2, multiply them together, and then multiply by π (3.14).
How to Draw an Oval
Okay, let’s stop with the math and do something a little more creative … like drawing an oval. You (or your kid) can learn to draw an oval by snagging the printable oval template in this post and simply tracing it. For an example, check out the video in this post. The video focuses on how to draw bubble letters, but the concept is the same for learning how to draw an oval.
Learning how to draw an oval can come in handy in various ways. One use is learning how to draw an oval face shape or oval head shape. If you’re working on drawing people or doing portraits, these head templates may also be a great addition to your printables collection.
Free Printable 2D Shapes
There’s a lot of fun stuff you can do with an oval printable. I bet there are just as many great things you could do with other printable shapes! Let’s find out, shall we? Here are more printable 2D shapes you can download right now!
Download this free printable 2D shapes chart in black and white or this free printable 2D shapes chart in color.
Or if a specific shape caught your eye you can download it here:
- Octagon Shape
- Square Shape
- Hexagon Shape
- Rectangle Shape
- Trapezoid Shape
- Pentagon Shape
- Circle Shape
- Diamond Shape
- Triangle Shape
Coloring Pages
Not convinced of your creative genius? Not quite ready to tackle oval head shapes or other by-hand drawing projects? No worries, you can still rev your creative engine with these free printable coloring sheets.
Even More Templates
Stay crafty and creative with even more free printable templates!
Letter and Number Printables
Here are some printable letters and numbers you can use to make more fun and frugal games to entertain and education your kids!
- Free printable alphabet calligraphy letters or if it’s more your style a modern calligraphy alphabet.
- Free printable number templates including bubble numbers from 0 to 100 and a free printable number stencils set.
