You have probably learned how to calculate the perimeter of a shape. For most regular shapes, you just measure the length one of the sides and multiply it by the number of sides in the shape. For an irregular shape, you must measure all of the sides and add up their lengths. Calculating the perimeter of a 3D object follows similar logic.
Regular Objects
Measure one of the edges.
Count the number of edges that the object has. For example, a cube would have 12 edges.
Multiply the length of each edge by the number of edges. The result will be the perimeter of the 3-dimensional object.
Irregular Objects
- Ruler
- Calculator (optional)
An alternative method of finding the perimeter of a regular object is to multiple the length of a side by half of the number of faces that the object has. This should give you the same result as the method above.
Do not simply multiple the perimeter of each face by the number of faces. Because each edge is shared between two faces, this will give you twice the perimeter of the object.
Measure each of the edges.
Write down the length of each edge.
Add the values of the lengths together. The result will be the perimeter of the object.
Things You'll Need
Tips
Warnings
Tips
- An alternative method of finding the perimeter of a regular object is to multiple the length of a side by half of the number of faces that the object has. This should give you the same result as the method above.
Warnings
- Do not simply multiple the perimeter of each face by the number of faces. Because each edge is shared between two faces, this will give you twice the perimeter of the object.
About the Author
Keren (Carrie) Perles is a freelance writer with professional experience in publishing since 2004. Perles has written, edited and developed curriculum for educational publishers. She writes online articles about various topics, mostly about education or parenting, and has been a mother, teacher and tutor for various ages. Perles holds a Bachelor of Arts in English communications from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.