how do you measure an angle using a compass?

Answer 1

It all depend on which side you measure from, the inside, or the outdise of the angle. The two measurements are differtnt.

Answer 2

Well, personally, I would use a protractor. They make circle and half circle shaped protractors with the degree marks on them . Put the center dot over the corner of your angle. Swivel the protractor so that the line with a 0 degree indicator lies along one line of the angle. Wherever the other line of the angle falls is your angle measurement.

However, you may actually be referring to a compass, so let's look at those. There is more than one type of compass. There is one that has a pencil along one leg, with a pointed end on the other leg to place in the center of the circle. If that is the kind of compass you have , place one leg along one side of your angle and move the other leg to be along the second leg of your angle. Now carefully move your compass without adjusting the legs and place on your protractor for a measurement.

The other kind of compass is the one which points to magnetic north, is round and has marking for the four directions. Estimate the center of the compass and place that on the vertex of your angle. Move North marking on the compass to line up with one of the legs of the angle. Use the markings on compass to figure out angle. For example, if the second leg lines up with East marking, you would have a 90 degree angle. If the second line lines up half way between the N and E markings, you have a 45 degree angle.

I hope I haven't totally confused you. It is easier to show someone. Good luck.

Answer 3

Do you mean measuring an arbitrary angle, such as an angle that is seventeen degrees?

I don't think it can be done using only a compass.