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Bettesworth Construction
compass

No-Math Geometry: Lay Out a Corner Radius of Any Size

Mark a corner radius with a compass: set the desired radius, transfer it to both adjoining edges, and use the marks to draw the curve and control the cut.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 2 min read
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To lay out a rounded corner without calculating an offset, set a compass to the radius you want, mark that distance along both edges from the sharp corner, then use those marks to draw the curve. Keep the marks visible: they define where the curve begins and ends and guide the cut.

Lay out the radius with a compass

  1. Set the radius. Open a compass to the radius you want on the finished corner. You do not need to calculate a separate distance for this construction.
  2. Mark both edges. Place the compass point on the theoretical sharp corner and mark the radius distance along each adjoining edge. These two marks are the start and stop limits for the curve.
  3. Draw the short guide arcs. Keeping the compass point at the corner, sweep a short arc across each edge mark.
  4. Draw the connecting curve. Put the compass point on one edge mark and set the pencil at the other. Swing the compass between the short guide arcs. The WOOD demonstration describes using each edge mark as a center in turn to complete the curve. WOOD Magazine’s illustrated procedure is by Robert Wilson and was updated July 8, 2025.
  5. Cut to the line. Use a bandsaw or jigsaw to remove the waste, then refine the edge as needed. Treat the marked endpoints as cut limits rather than trimming past them.

Why the construction works

Each edge mark is one radius away from the theoretical sharp corner. Using those marks as centers for the connecting arc makes the curve meet the adjoining straight edges smoothly. This is the geometric explanation of the described layout, rather than a formal proof given in the WOOD article.

Choose a method for the work

Method Best fit What it does
Compass layout A one-off corner or a quick manual layout Marks the radius directly on the workpiece; no radius formula is needed.
Shop-made hardboard template Repeated marking with a consistent setup Woodsmith describes a two-layer template: lower-layer right-angle fences register against the workpiece, while a hole in the upper layer serves as the circle template. A relief hole at the fence intersection helps the faces sit cleanly against the workpiece. See Woodsmith’s “Versatile Layout Tools” (September 13, 2012) and its “Handy Layout Templates” (June 8, 2017).
Commercial routing template Repeated routed corners within the template’s range Rockler states that its corner-radius templates cover 1/8-inch to 2-inch radii and can guide pencil layout or routing. For larger radii, the retailer recommends sawing away most of the waste before routing. This is product guidance, not an independent comparison. See Rockler’s product page, accessed October 8, 2026.
Router circle-routing system Routing circles, curves, or round holes Festool describes a router and multi-routing-template system for this equipment-based work. It is not needed for basic hand layout. See Festool UK’s application page, accessed October 8, 2026.
CAD A digital drawing workflow Autodesk Inventor documentation describes circles created from a center and radius as well as tangent-to-three-lines circle tools. CAD is useful for digital geometry, but does not replace the manual construction. See Autodesk Inventor Help.

For multiple identical pieces, a template can make marking more repeatable; for a routed finish, verify the template’s radius range and router compatibility before choosing it. The cited sources do not establish a universal accuracy ranking among these methods.

Best Value
10-030 Bullnose Corners Trim Gauge Tool for Crown Molding & Drywall Corners
  • Precision Marking – The ARU bullnose corners 10-030 trim gauge tool ensures accurate marking on 3/4-inch radius bullnose drywall corners, helping you achieve seamlesscrown molding and tight-fitting corners.
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Rank #4
Hikiwin Manual Type Outer Radius Measuring Instrument, Plastic Radius Gauge for Tool and Die Makers Check, Round Corner Contour Measuring Tools, Fillet Gauge, Yellow, 1 Piece
  • 【Manual Outer Radius Measurement】 This instrument measures outer radius. It quickly matches fillet sizes.
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Rank #3
5Pcs Stainless Steel Radius Gauge, Portable Concave Convex External Internal Arc Measuring Tool Radius Fillet Gauge Set R0.3-1.5mm/ R1-6.5mm/ R7-14.5mm/ R15-25mm/ R25-50mm
  • 【Package Includes】The radius fillet gauges set contains 5 different shapes and measuring range: R0.3-1.5mm/ R1-6.5mm/ R7-14.5mm/ R15-25mm/ R25-50mm to meet you various need.
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Rank #2
2-Pack Bullnose Corners Trim Gauge for 10-030 Crown Molding Marking Tools
  • Made of durable ABS plastic material.
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#1 Best Overall
HiSew Leather Round Corner Template Ruler, Corner Radius Guide
  • 12 CORNER RADIUS OPTIONS:Includes 12 commonly used radius sizes (R3, R8, R9, R12, R14, R15, R16, R18, R20, R22, R24, and R28) for marking rounded corners on leather projects.
  • LEATHER CORNER LAYOUT TOOL: Designed for marking curved corners on wallets, bags, belts, straps, notebook covers, and other leathercraft projects before cutting.
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  • FOR LEATHER CRAFT APPLICATIONS: A practical template ruler for DIY leather workers who need repeatable corner measurements and layouts for handmade projects.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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