Learn about calculating the area of common geometric shapes.
Example 1: Area of a Square
Explain how to find the area of a square and provide the formula.
Step 1: The **area** of a shape is the amount of surface it covers. For a square, this is the space inside its four equal sides.
Step 2: To find the area of a square, you multiply the length of one side by itself.
Step 3: The formula for the area of a square is:
Area = side × side or Area = side2
Step 4: The unit of area is always in square units (e.g., cm2, m2, km2).
Example 2: Area of a Rectangle
Explain how to find the area of a rectangle and provide the formula.
Step 1: A **rectangle** is a four-sided shape with four right angles. Opposite sides are equal in length.
Step 2: To find the area of a rectangle, you multiply its length by its width (or breadth).
Step 3: The formula for the area of a rectangle is:
Area = length × width
Step 4: Remember to express the area in square units.
Example 3: Area of a Triangle
Explain how to find the area of a triangle and provide the formula.
Step 1: A **triangle** is a three-sided polygon. The area of a triangle is half the area of a parallelogram with the same base and height.
Step 2: You need the length of the **base** (one side of the triangle) and the **height** (the perpendicular distance from the opposite vertex to the base).
Step 3: The formula for the area of a triangle is:
Area = 1/2 × base × height
Step 4: The unit of area is in square units.
Example 4: Area of a Parallelogram
Explain how to find the area of a parallelogram and provide the formula.
Step 1: A **parallelogram** is a four-sided shape with two pairs of parallel sides.
Step 2: To find the area of a parallelogram, you multiply the length of its **base** (one side) by its **height** (the perpendicular distance between that base and the opposite side).
Step 3: The formula for the area of a parallelogram is:
Area = base × height
Step 4: The unit of area is in square units.
Practice Mode
Enter a simple area problem to solve.
Note: This basic solver can calculate the area of squares, rectangles, triangles, and parallelograms. Specify the shape and its dimensions (e.g., "area of square with side 5", "area of rectangle with length 10 and width 4", "area of triangle with base 6 and height 8", "area of parallelogram with base 7 and height 5").
Related Concepts
Explore these related mathematical concepts to deepen your understanding of area.
Perimeter
The total distance around the outside of a shape.
Units of Area
Standard measures for area, like square centimeters (cm2) or square meters (m2).
Base
A side of a geometric shape, often used in area calculations for triangles and parallelograms.
Height
The perpendicular distance from the base to the opposite vertex or side.
Formula
A mathematical rule or equation that expresses a relationship or provides a method for calculation.
Polygon
A closed two-dimensional shape made up of straight line segments.