Monte Carlo Pi Calculation JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5

Before, we had a simulation on the calculation of π using Archimedes' algorithm. This simulation (link here) shows yet another method that can be used to approximate the value of π.

The Monte Carlo method is done by taking a unit square (a square of length 1) and inscribing a quadrant inside. A arbitrary number of points is then randomly scattered in the square. Since the area of the square is 1 and the area of the inscribed quadrant is π/4, the ratio of the number of points that land in the quadrant to the total number of points becomes an estimate of π/4, which is then multiplied by 4 to estimate π.

This method is used widely in mathematics and physics when a problem cannot be solved analytically.

The number of points can be set up to 50000 points. Hit the randomize button to randomize the placement of the points.