To calculate the area of any common geometric shape, such as a rectangle or triangle, apply the area formula for that particular shape. That sounds simple enough, but the process actually varies with each shape because different shapes require different formulas. However, there are some basic steps to calculating area that are necessary regardless of the shape.
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Calculator (optional)
Finding the area of irregular shapes is more complicated and requires principles of calculus.
Use the same units when measuring the different dimensions of the shape. For example, using inches for the width of a rectangle and feet for its length won't give a valid area measurement.
Learn the formula that gives the area of the shape you are working with. For example, if you are finding the area of a rectangle, the formula you need is A = l x w. In words, the formula says “area equals the length times the width.”
Measure the dimensions required in the formula you are using. In the rectangle example in Step 1, the formula says to multiply the length times the width to have the area. Use a ruler or measuring tape to find those dimensions and plug them into the formula. In the rectangle example, suppose you measure and find the length of the rectangle to be 20 inches and the width to be 15 inches. Plug those measurements into the formula and the answer you will get is 300 square inches.
Understand how the process in Steps 1 and 2 will vary according to the formula you use. The basic process is always the same. You identify the shape you are finding the area of, find the formula for that shape, measure to find the dimensions called for in the formula and plug those measurements into the formula. The variation occurs in the measurements different formulas require.
Look at another example that illustrates the difference in the process. Suppose your problem is to find the area of a triangle. The formula for area of a triangle is A = ½ b x h, or in other words, area equals one-half times the base times the height. Find the measurements of the base and height of the triangle and plug them into the formula. If you measure the base to be 18 inches and the height to be 10 inches, the area of this triangle is 90 square inches because ½ x 18 x 10 = 90.
Use the process in Steps 1 and 2 to find the area of squares, parallelograms, trapezoids, rhombi, regular polygons and circles. Just remember that each shape uses a different formula.
Things You'll Need
Tips
Warnings
Tips
- Finding the area of irregular shapes is more complicated and requires principles of calculus.
Warnings
- Use the same units when measuring the different dimensions of the shape. For example, using inches for the width of a rectangle and feet for its length won't give a valid area measurement.
About the Author
Linda Hinkle has been a writer since 2004. She spent 29 years teaching mathematics in public high schools and now maintains a private tutoring practice. In addition to writing about education and parenting issues, she writes mathematics assessment and test prep items. Hinkle is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education.
Photo Credits
Calculator image by Alhazm Salemi from Fotolia.com