Area and Perimeter – Definition with Examples
reviewed by Jo-ann Caballes
Updated on April 7, 2026
Area vs. perimeter are two fundamental mathematical concepts that measure the space within and around, respectively. Perimeter is the distance outside of the shape, while the area is what we use to measure the flat space inside.
This article looks into the difference between area and perimeter, how to calculate both, and offers some practice problems for your kid to dive into.
What Is Area And Perimeter?
What is area and perimeter in math is one of the most common questions among kids just starting with geometry. Area and perimeter are two distinct measurements in geometry used for calculating the size and boundaries of shapes.
Let’s look at the definition of perimeter and area, and what their main difference is, below.
Area In Math Definition
The area is the amount of square space contained within a two-dimensional shape. We measure the area in square units, i.e., if it is a mile, we measure it in square miles, if it is in inches, we measure it in square inches, and so on.
Perimeter Definition In Math
In a 2-dimensional shape, a perimeter is the total length that surrounds the shape. You can think of it as a string that runs around the edge of a given shape.
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How To Find The Perimeter And Area?
We can find the area for a 2-dimensional figure through different formulas depending on the type of shape.
The perimeter is found by summing the lengths of all the sides of a polygon or a plane shape (square, triangle, rectangle, etc.).
Area And Perimeter Examples
We use perimeter and area as measurements in the conduct of our daily affairs, from architecture, construction, farming, and many more. These are some area examples to show how we use them, as well as to explain the main difference between perimeter and area:
- We can measure the square feet of a wall by using area.
- With area, flat-screen TVs can be measured in square inches.
- Large landscapes can be measured in square meters, with area too, and so on.
Perimeter, too, can be applicable for real-life uses. Here are some perimeter examples:
- With perimeter, we can measure a fence around a house
- In scenes of construction, have you noticed yellow caution tape around the place? This perimeter outline is to secure the area where the construction takes place.
Differences Between Area And Perimeter
Below are some differences between area and perimeter
| Area | Perimeter |
| Area is the measurement of the space a shape occupies | Perimeter is the measurement of the outside boundary of a shape |
| We measure area with square units | We measure the perimeter in linear units |
| The area is calculated in different ways depending on the type of shape. | Perimeter is the sum of the lengths of the sides of a polygon |
Area And Perimeter Formulas
Here are the formulas for area and perimeter of different shapes:
Square
The perimeter and area of a square are:
The area of a square is the length multiplied by its breadth
Therefore, area = a × a or a^2
The formula for the perimeter of the square is 4 times one side, since all sides are equal, or, as we said earlier, you can add the sides:
Perimeter = 4 × a
OR
Perimeter = a + a + a + a
Triangle
The area for a triangle is ½ multiplied by the base and by the height.
Area = ½ × base × height
The perimeter is the total summation of the sides.
Perimeter = a + b + c.
Rectangle
The area for the rectangle is the length multiplied by the width.
Area = length × width
The perimeter of the rectangle is 2 multiplied by the length plus the width since a rectangle has two equal sides.
Perimeter = 2(l + w)
Circle
The area and perimeter of a circle are similar but not the same.
The area for a circle is pi multiplied by the square of a radius.
Area = π × r2
The perimeter of a circle is 2 multiplied by pi and the radius
Perimeter = 2 × π × r
Note that π = 3.14
Solved Math Tasks: Examples
Solved Math Problem 1
A square has an area of 42 square cm, what is the perimeter?
Answer
Following the formula for the area and perimeter of a square, we know that the area of a square is its length multiplied by its breadth, this means 42 cm2 = l × b.
The next step is to find the length for each side, to do this, we find the square root of 42 which is 6.48
|
Thus, perimeter = 4 × 6.48 =25.92 cm. |
Solved Math Problem 2
George has a triangular pizza slice with a base of 3 units and a height of 4 units, what is the area of the triangle?
Answer
We simply multiply ½ by 3 units and by 4 units to find the area:
½ × 3 × 4 = 6
|
The area is 6 square units. |
Solved Math Problem 3
What is the area of a circle when its radius is 10 cm?
Answer
Per the formula above, area = 3.14 × 10 × 10
|
Therefore, the area of the circle is 314 cm2. |
Area And Perimeter: Practice Math Problems
Area And Perimeter: Worksheets
Although mainly used for 2-dimensional shapes, areas, and perimeter set the pace for understanding more complex measurements of shapes in geometry — hence why learning them is crucial for young mathematicians.
Practice more on area, perimeter, and other measurements with our free worksheets:
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Explain Area And Perimeter To A Child?
Kids love visualizations, so the easiest way to explain perimeter vs area is through examples. Take a backyard as an example. The perimeter is the fence that runs around the outside. The area is the grass inside the fence. Perimeter measures the boundary, while area measures the flat space inside.
What Is A Perimeter Example?
There are many examples of perimeters you can use. If you have a square sticky note where each side is 3 inches long, the perimeter is the total distance around the edge. You add all four sides together (3+3+3+3) to get a total perimeter of 12 inches.
What Are The Two Types Of Area?
In basic geometry, the two types of areas are the total surface area and the lateral surface area. Total surface area is the total area of 3D objects, while the lateral surface area is only the area of the sides, excluding the top and bottom.
What Is An Example Of Perimeter And Area In Real Life?
When you buy a picture frame, the wood around the edges is the perimeter. The glass that covers the photo represents the area. The sum of the edges of your table is the perimeter, while the tabletop is the area. The examples of area vs. perimeter are everywhere around us.
Is Perimeter Adding Or Multiplying The Sides Of A Shape?
To determine the perimeter, you need to always add the length of all the outer sides together. In the case of a square, as an exception, you can also use multiplication as a shortcut, and multiply the length of one side by 4 to get the perimeter faster.
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