When is Pi Day 2016?

There are a lot of holidays we like to have on our calendars for specific reasons. Usually it is because it is a federal holiday and banks and other institutions will be closed. However, there are a few smaller holidays that have local (and some national) recognition. These holidays often have some events, freebies and even food tied in with it. Of course, March is home to Saint Patrick’s Day, but it is also known for another more mathematical day: Pi Day. However, many people don’t know when Pi Day is, so when is it?

This year, Pi Day is on a Monday. It is always on the 14th of March, otherwise known as 3.14, which means it falls three days before St. Patty’s Day each year. Pi Day is a day that everyone can get in touch with their inner math geek. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant, the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, which is about 3.14159.

The number has been calculated to over one trillion digits beyond the decimal point. It will continue infinitely without any repetition. Many other digits are needed for typical types of calculations. However, Pi’s number makes it fun to memorize, actually many people accept memorizing it as a challenge.

Schools and other institutions will still be open on Monday, March 14. In fact, many schools will be talking about the number Pi, its infinity and may even celebrate it (with actual pie).

Because the mathematical number and a delicious dessert happen to be homophones, many places (and people) will be serving up pie on Pi Day. Some restaurants and other establishments may even offer the dessert for free, so keep an eye out for free pie around this time.

In addition to eating pie to celebrate Pi Day, Massachusetts Institute of Technology has mailed its application decision letters out to students to be delivered on Pi Day. MIT also posts those same decisions online on Pi Day at 6:28 p.m. (Tau Time) to honor the rival number. Princeton, New Jersey hosts numerous events celebrating Pi Day and Albert Einstein’s birthday, which coincidentally falls on the same day. They hold recitation contests as well as look alike contests.

Pi Day became nationally recognized in 2009. Some people recognize the entire month of March as “Pi Month.” Another day that the number is recognized is July 22. This day is known as Pi Approximation Day because pi’s approximate fraction is 22/7.

While there aren’t many people who are seeking out to celebrate Pi Day, many schools take this moment as a time to educate its students about the number 3.14. Some restaurants take it as a day to serve up some delicious treats. Either way, Pi Day is a lot of fun!