Area Calculator
Calculate the area of any common geometric shape. Select your shape, enter the dimensions, and get instant results for area and perimeter. Perfect for construction, landscaping, flooring, and geometry homework.
How to Use This Area Calculator
- Select the shape you want to calculate from the shape buttons
- Enter the required dimensions for your chosen shape
- Click "Calculate Area" or values update automatically as you type
- View the calculated area and perimeter (or circumference for circles)
This calculator supports six common geometric shapes. Each shape requires different measurements, so the input fields will change based on your selection. All measurements should use the same unit (inches, feet, meters, etc.) for accurate results.
What is Area?
Area is the measure of the two-dimensional space inside a shape, expressed in square units. If you measure in feet, the area is in square feet; if you measure in meters, the area is in square meters. Understanding area is essential for countless real-world applications, from buying paint and flooring to calculating land size and planning gardens.
The concept of area dates back to ancient civilizations who needed to measure land for agriculture and taxation. The ancient Egyptians developed formulas for rectangles and triangles, while the Greeks formalized the mathematics. Today, area calculations are fundamental in architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and everyday home improvement projects.
Area Formulas for Each Shape
- Rectangle:
Area = length x width - Square:
Area = side² - Triangle:
Area = (base x height) / 2 - Circle:
Area = pi x radius² - Trapezoid:
Area = ((a + b) / 2) x height - Ellipse:
Area = pi x a x b
Perimeter formulas:
- Rectangle:
P = 2(length + width) - Square:
P = 4 x side - Circle:
C = 2 x pi x radius