Analysis and numerical calculations were made of the total scattering and differential scattering of circularly polarized light by helices as models of chiral structures. The differential scattering patterns are much more sensitive than the total scattering to helical parameters. For large helices the angular dependence of these patterns show lobes which alternate in sign. The number of lobes and the positions of the zeros directly measure the ratios of radius and pitch to wavelength. The signs depend on the sense of the helix. The results are compared with measured circular intensity differential scattering of membranes from the bacterium Spirillum serpens. Good qualitative agreement is obtained. © 1980 American Institute of Physics.