Area and Perimeter

Area and perimeter are two different ways to measure shapes.

What is Perimeter?

Perimeter is the distance around the outside of a shape. To find the perimeter, add up all the sides.

Perimeter of a rectangle = (length + width) x 2 Perimeter of a square = side x 4

What is Area?

Area is the space inside a shape. We measure it in square units (cm2, m2).

Area = length x width

Examples

1. Rectangle 8cm x 4cm: Perimeter = 24cm, Area = 32cm2
2. Square 6cm sides: Perimeter = 24cm, Area = 36cm2

Practice Problems

1. Rectangle 7cm x 3cm: Perimeter = ?, Area = ?
2. Square 5cm sides: Perimeter = ?, Area = ?

Real Life Uses

• Perimeter: fencing a garden, framing a picture
• Area: carpeting a room, painting a wall