Simple Curve Formulas

The following formulas are used in the computation of a simple curve. All of the formulas, except those noted, apply to both the arc and chord definitions.

L is the distance around the arc for the arc definition, or the distance along the chords for the chord definition.

In the following formulas, C equals the chord length and d equals the deflection angle. All the formulas are exact for the arc definition and approximate for the chord definition.

This formula gives an answer in degrees.

in the metric system. The answer will be in minutes.