ABSTRACT
Calculating the centroid involves only the geometrical shape of the area; the centre of gravity will equal the centroid if the body has constant density. Centroids of basic shapes can be intuitive such as the centre of a circle; centroids of more complex shapes can be found using integral calculus as long as the area, volume or line of an object can be described by a mathematical equation. Centroids are of considerable importance in manufacturing, and in mechanical, civil and structural design engineering. The centre of gravity of a lamina is the point where it balances perfectly, i.e. the lamina's centre of mass. When dealing with an area the term centre of area or centroid is used for the point where the centre of gravity of a lamina of that shape would lie.
