turtle.circle() method in Python

The Turtle module in Python provides a fun and interactive way to introduce graphics programming. One of its key functions is turtle.circle(), which is used to draw circles (or parts of circles) and can even be used to create regular polygons by specifying the number of steps.

Example: Drawing a simple circle

import turtle

# Create a turtle object
t = turtle.Turtle()

t.circle(80)

# Complete the drawing
turtle.done()

Output

Explanation: t.circle(80) draws a smooth, full circle with a radius of 80.

Syntax of turtle.circle()

turtle.circle(radius, extent=None, steps=None)

Parameters:

• radius (required): Positive for counterclockwise, negative for clockwise circles.
• extent (optional): Defines arc length in degrees; defaults to 360° (full circle).
• steps (optional): Specifies polygon sides instead of a smooth circle.

Return value: This method does not return any value (returns None). It simply draws a circle or an arc based on the given parameters.

Examples of turtle.circle()

Example 1: Drawing a semicircle

import turtle

t = turtle.Turtle()

t.circle(80, extent=180)

turtle.done()

Output :

Explanation: t.circle(80, extent=180) creates a 180° arc, forming a semicircle.

Example 2: Drawing a pentagon

import turtle

t = turtle.Turtle()

# Draw a pentagon (5-sided polygon) using steps
t.circle(80, steps=5)

turtle.done()

Output

Explanation: t.circle(80, steps=5) approximates a circle with a five-sided polygon.

Example 3: Drawing multiple arcs in different directions

import turtle

t = turtle.Turtle()

# Draw first arc in a clockwise direction
t.circle(100, extent=180)  

# Move turtle to a new position
t.penup()
t.goto(150, 0)
t.pendown()

# Draw second arc in an anticlockwise direction
t.circle(-100, extent=180)

turtle.done()

Output

Explanation: A 180° arc is drawn using t.circle(100, extent=180), then repositioned to draw another arc with t.circle(-100, extent=180), reversing direction for a clockwise effect.