September 28, 2025

What Is The Difference Between Area And Perimeter

Q: Can two shapes have the same perimeter but different areas?

Yes. For example, a rectangle that is 6 inches by 2 inches has a perimeter of 16 inches and an area of 12 square inches. A square that is 4 inches by 4 inches also has a perimeter of 16 inches, but its area is 16 square inches.

Q: Why is area measured in square units?

Area is measured in square units because it represents how many 1x1 squares can fit inside a two-dimensional shape. It's a measure of surface coverage, not a one-dimensional length.

Learn the key distinction between area and perimeter. Understand how area measures the space inside a shape, while perimeter measures the distance around it.

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Area vs. Perimeter: The Core Distinction

Area is the measure of the total two-dimensional space inside a closed shape, typically measured in square units (like cm² or square inches). Perimeter is the total distance around the outside edge of that same shape, measured in linear units (like cm or inches).

A Simple Example: A Rectangle

Imagine a rectangle that is 5 feet long and 3 feet wide. To find its perimeter, you add up all the sides: 5 + 3 + 5 + 3 = 16 feet. To find its area, you multiply the length by the width: 5 feet × 3 feet = 15 square feet. Notice the different calculations and units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can two shapes have the same perimeter but different areas?

Why is area measured in square units?