Area & Perimeter | Student Worksheet

Two Ways to Measure Rectangles!

Area = the space INSIDE a shape (measured in square units)

Perimeter = the distance AROUND a shape (measured in units)

AREA = Inside

Think: "How much carpet to cover the floor?"

Count the squares inside, OR use:

Area = length × width

Units: square cm, square in, square ft

PERIMETER = Around

Think: "How much fence to go around?"

Add up ALL the sides:

Perimeter = add all sides

Units: cm, in, ft, m

Example: Finding Area by Counting

Count the squares: 15 squares

OR use the formula:

Length = 5 units, Width = 3 units

Area = 5 × 3 = 15 square units

Example: Finding Perimeter

8 cm 4 cm

Add ALL four sides:

Top: 8 cm

Right side: 4 cm

Bottom: 8 cm (same as top!)

Left side: 4 cm (same as right!)

Perimeter = 8 + 4 + 8 + 4 = 24 cm

Composite Figures: Break It Apart!

This L-shape is made of 2 rectangles:

To find area:

1. Split into rectangles

2. Find area of each part

3. Add them together!

Rectangle 1: 3 × 2 = 6

Rectangle 2: 5 × 2 = 10

Total Area: 6 + 10 = 16 square units

Your Turn!

1. Find the area. Count the squares OR use the formula.

Area = square units

2. Find the perimeter of this rectangle.

7 in 3 in

Perimeter = ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = inches

3. A rectangle has a length of 9 cm and a width of 5 cm.

Area = ______ × ______ = square cm

Perimeter = ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = cm

4. Mr. Garcia wants to put a fence around his garden. The garden is 12 feet long and 8 feet wide. How many feet of fencing does he need?

This is a perimeter / area problem. (Circle one)

Answer: feet of fencing

5. Ms. Lee wants to cover her bulletin board with paper. The board is 6 feet long and 4 feet wide. How many square feet of paper does she need?

This is a perimeter / area problem. (Circle one)

Answer: square feet of paper