Overview
Area and perimeter are the two fundamental measurements of any shape. Area measures the space inside a shape (in square units), used for flooring, painting, and land measurement. Perimeter measures the distance around the outside (in linear units), used for fencing, trim, and borders.
The Area Calculator (Shapes) computes the interior space of common shapes. The Perimeter Calculator computes the outer boundary distance of those same shapes.
Key Differences
**What it measures:** Area measures interior space (square feet, square meters). Perimeter measures boundary length (feet, meters).
**Units:** Area uses squared units. Perimeter uses linear units. This distinction is critical for ordering materials.
**Formulas:** A rectangle's area is length x width. Its perimeter is 2 x (length + width). Same shape, very different calculations.
**Use cases:** Area tells you how much paint, carpet, or sod you need. Perimeter tells you how much fencing, baseboard, or edging you need.
**Shapes supported:** Both calculators handle rectangles, circles, triangles, and other common shapes with different formulas for each.
When to Use the Area Calculator
- You need to calculate square footage for flooring, tile, or carpet - You are estimating paint coverage for walls or ceilings - You need to measure a lot or parcel of land - You are calculating material needs for a patio, deck, or concrete slab - You want to compare the interior space of different shaped rooms or plots
When to Use the Perimeter Calculator
- You need to know how much fencing to buy for a yard - You are measuring for baseboard, crown molding, or trim - You want to calculate the border length for a garden bed or walkway - You are estimating material for edging around a patio or driveway - You need the circumference of a circular feature like a pool or fire pit
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can two shapes have the same area but different perimeters? A: Yes. A long narrow rectangle and a square can have identical areas but very different perimeters. The square always has the smallest perimeter for a given area among rectangles.
Q: Do I need area or perimeter for fencing? A: Perimeter. Fencing goes around the boundary, so you need the total distance around your property or yard.
Q: How do I calculate area for an irregular shape? A: Break it into regular shapes (rectangles, triangles), calculate each area separately, and add them together.
Q: What is the difference between perimeter and circumference? A: Circumference is the specific term for the perimeter of a circle. They both measure the distance around a shape.
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