How To Calculate The Perimeter Of A Shape

The perimeter of shapes is the summation of the length of each side of a shape. Perimeter for a circle is different: when a diameter equals one, then the perimeter equals pi. Contractors use perimeter for things such as to determine lengths of fences or putting a border around a room.

Step 1

Measure the length of each side of a shape. For example, a parallelogram may have sides of 3 inches, 3 inches, 5 inches and 5 inches.

Step 2

Add the sides together. In the example, 3 plus 3 plus 5 plus 5 equals a perimeter of 16 inches.

Step 3

Recalculate the perimeter to check your work. Since perimeter calculations involve adding three or more sides, each additional side adds to the chance of making a calculation error.

Step 1

Measure the diameter of the circle. The diameter is the length from one end of a circle to the opposite end of the circle. For example, a circle may have a diameter of 10 inches.

Step 2

Divide the diameter into two to determine the radius. In the example, the radius of the circle is 5 inches.

Step 3

Multiply 2 by the radium and pi. In the example, 2 times 5 times 3.14, which equals a perimeter of 31.4 inches.

Step 4

Recalculate the perimeter to check your work and eliminate the chances of a mathematical error.