Area Calculator

Area Formulas for Common Shapes

Area is the measure of the amount of space inside a two-dimensional shape. It is expressed in square units such as square metres (m²), square centimetres (cm²) or square feet (ft²). Below are the standard formulas used by this calculator:

Square: Area = side × side = side²

Rectangle: Area = length × width

Circle: Area = π × radius² (where π ≈ 3.14159)

Triangle: Area = ½ × base × height

Parallelogram: Area = base × height

Trapezoid: Area = ½ × (side a + side b) × height

How to Use This Area Calculator

1. Select the shape from the dropdown menu.

2. Enter the required dimensions in the input fields that appear.

3. Click "Calculate Area" to see the result along with the formula used.

4. All inputs are in generic units. You can use any unit (cm, m, ft, inches) as long as all inputs use the same unit. The result will be in the corresponding square unit.

Real-Life Applications of Area Calculation

Area calculation is essential in many everyday situations. When you are painting a wall, you need to know the area to buy the right amount of paint. When laying tiles on a floor, the area determines how many tiles you need. Farmers calculate land area to plan crop planting. Architects and engineers use area calculations extensively in building design. Even simple tasks like buying carpet or wallpaper require accurate area measurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What unit should I use for inputs?

You can use any unit (cm, m, ft, inches) as long as all measurements are in the same unit. The output will be in the square of that unit. For example, if you enter values in centimetres, the area will be in square centimetres (cm²).

How is the area of a circle calculated?

The area of a circle is calculated using the formula A = πr², where r is the radius of the circle and π (pi) is approximately 3.14159. For example, a circle with radius 5 units has an area of π × 25 = 78.54 square units.

What is the difference between area and perimeter?

Area measures the space inside a shape (in square units), while perimeter measures the total length of the boundary (in linear units). For example, a rectangle with length 5 and width 3 has an area of 15 square units and a perimeter of 16 units.