This video guide is by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It walks through multiple methods for drawing a precise hexagon, whether you’re working with a compass, a ruler, or nothing but a known measurement.
Jodee’s techniques are clear, repeatable, and useful across woodworking, design, and geometry. Whether you’re laying out honeycomb patterns, adding decorative elements, or simply want to understand the geometry, this how-to will help you create consistent results every time.
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Understanding Hexagon Basics
A regular hexagon has six equal sides and six equal interior angles. There are two common ways to describe its size:
- The distance between two opposite corners (farthest points)
- The distance between two flat sides (parallel sides)
Jodee explains that knowing which dimension you’re working with determines the best method to use. Each method is tailored to one of these measurements and can be done with a compass or just a ruler.
Drawing a Hexagon Using the Distance Between Farthest Points
This is one of the most common approaches and works great when you know the full width of your hexagon—from point to point.
With a Compass
- Draw a horizontal line that equals the total width across the hexagon.
- Set your compass to half that length.
- Place the compass point at the center of the line and draw a circle.
- From where the circle intersects the horizontal line, walk the compass around the circle—marking off six points.
- Connect these points in order to form a perfect hexagon.
This method is ideal when working from the overall span of the hexagon rather than from the side length.
Without a Compass
- Start by drawing a horizontal line the length of the farthest points.
- Divide the line into four equal sections.
- At the first and last division marks, draw vertical lines perpendicular to the baseline.
- Place your ruler diagonally so the distance from the center to where it meets the perpendiculars matches the side length.
- Mark all six points and connect them to complete the shape.
This approach mimics compass spacing using straight-edge alignment and known proportions.
Drawing a Hexagon Using the Distance Between Two Parallel Sides
If you know the height of the hexagon (the space between two flat sides), this method is more suitable.
With a Compass
- Draw a baseline longer than twice the height of the hexagon.
- Find the center point and draw a circle with a radius equal to the height.
- Use your compass to mark six points around the circle.
- Connect every other point to form two overlapping equilateral triangles.
- The intersection of these triangles creates your hexagon.
This method is useful when your layout is defined by how tall the hexagon should be, rather than how wide.
Without a Compass
- Start with a baseline twice as long as the parallel-side spacing.
- Divide the line into four equal segments.
- Draw vertical lines at the first and last division points.
- Use a ruler to draw diagonal lines from the center point that intersect the verticals at the correct spacing.
- Connect the resulting points to form a hexagon based on flat-side height.
Why These Methods Work
Each approach is rooted in basic geometry, using circles or equilateral triangles as the foundation. Compass methods rely on rotational symmetry, while ruler methods use line segments and measurements to simulate the same logic.
Choosing a method depends on which dimension you have and which tools are available. Compass techniques are faster if you already know the radius or side length. Ruler-only methods are especially helpful in field settings where minimal tools are available.
Helpful Tips from Jodee
- Practice before committing: Try each method on scrap material or paper to get comfortable with the layout.
- Keep your lines clean and accurate: Use a sharp pencil and a quality ruler for best results.
- Adjust for orientation: You can rotate your layout to draw the hexagon “on point” or “flat side down,” depending on your project.
- Scale easily: These methods work at any size. Just adjust the initial line length based on your needs.
Where to Use These Techniques
Accurate hexagon layouts are valuable in woodworking projects like tabletops, panels, or inlay work. Beyond the shop, they’re useful in tiling, fabric layout, quilting, graphic design, and architectural drafting.
Being able to draw hexagons on the fly—without a template or digital tool—saves time and increases flexibility on custom projects.
A Practical Geometry Skill for Every Maker
Jodee’s hexagon tutorial simplifies what can often feel like a complex task. Whether you’re using a compass or just a straight edge, you’ll finish with a precise and reliable shape every time.
His methods are approachable, especially for woodworkers looking to elevate the accuracy of their layout work without relying on guesswork.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
Getting hexagons right is one of those geometry challenges that can make or break a project. What I appreciate about Jodee’s approach is how he breaks down the “why” behind each method — understanding whether you’re working from point-to-point width or flat-side distance makes all the difference in choosing your technique.
The compass methods are definitely my go-to when precision is critical. There’s something satisfying about walking that compass around the circle and watching perfect points emerge. For shop work, I keep a large compass handy specifically for layout tasks like this. The ruler-only methods are brilliant backup options, especially when you’re working on a job site or your compass isn’t quite big enough for the scale you need.
One thing to keep in mind with any hexagon layout is marking your points clearly before you start connecting lines. I’ve learned to use a sharp awl or knife point rather than just pencil marks — it keeps everything crisp when you’re drawing those final connecting lines. Also worth noting that these same principles scale beautifully, whether you’re laying out small inlay work or marking a large tabletop.
This kind of fundamental geometry knowledge pays dividends across so many woodworking projects. Having these methods in your back pocket means you can tackle hexagonal designs confidently, whether it’s for decorative elements, jigs, or even architectural details.