Skip to main content

The unexpected math of origami - Evan Zodl

429,969 Views

11,467 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Origami, which literally translates to “folding paper,” is a Japanese practice dating back to at least the 17th century. In origami, a single, traditionally square sheet of paper can be transformed into almost any shape, purely by folding. The same simple concepts yield everything from a paper crane with about 20 steps, to a dragon with over 1,000 steps. Evan Zodl explores the ancient art form.

Explain what makes origami particularly useful in engineering applications.

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Evan Zodl
  • Director Charlotte Arene
  • Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
  • Animator Charlotte Arene
  • Sound Designer Amanda P.H. Bennett, cAMP Studio, Salil Bhayani
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Fact-Checker Eden Girma

More from Math In Real Life