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

Drawing a Simple Curve with Graph Paper

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.

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.

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.

Using the ruler again, draw another line from the second to top left square and two out from the bottom left corner.

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.

Repeat until you reach the bottom square on the left side.

Finished!

Drawing a Simple Parabolic Curve without Graph Paper

Draw a right angle. The taller you make it, the smoother your Parabolic Curve will be.

Add notches, dots, points, etc. on both sides of the angle. Make sure they are evenly spaced and equal on both sides.

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

Using the ruler again, draw another line from the third to top left notch and four out from the bottom left corner.

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.

Repeat until you reach the bottom notch on the left side.

Finished!

Draw a Circle Parabolic Curve

Draw a circle.Use a compass, as it is essential that it is a good circle.

Notch the edges of the circle. Notch them in equal distance from each other.

Depending on how wide you want you parabolic curve to be, draw a line from one line to another.

Continue connecting the notches with lines. Continue as needed.

You're finished when you are at where you started.

Finished!

Other ways to draw a Parabolic Curve

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.

Make it using yarn or string. This is even cooler than doing it on paper!

Draw a parabolic curve using an angle greater or less than 90°. This makes the curve narrower or wider.

Draw three parabolic curves inside a triangle. This makes a three-sided star.

Combine parabolic curve sections to make a work of art!