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Perimeter Calculator

Free perimeter calculator for squares, rectangles, triangles and circles. Enter the side lengths and get the exact perimeter or circumference in seconds.

About this tool

The perimeter is the total distance around a shape - the fence around a garden, the frame around a picture, the edging of a lawn. For circles it has a special name: the circumference.

Pick your shape, enter its measurements, and this perimeter calculator gives you the exact answer in seconds.

How to use

Choose square, rectangle, triangle or circle, then fill in only the fields for that shape. For a triangle enter all three sides - the tool checks they can actually form a triangle.

Press Calculate Perimeter and the result appears instantly, in the same units you measured with.

The math behind it

Square: 4 x side. Rectangle: 2 x (length + width). Triangle: a + b + c. Circle: 2 x pi x radius.

A triangle is only valid when each side is shorter than the other two combined - the calculator verifies this for you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between perimeter and area?
Perimeter measures the distance around a shape (one-dimensional, in units like metres), while area measures the surface it covers (two-dimensional, in square units). A fence needs the perimeter; paint or turf needs the area.
Is circumference the same as perimeter?
Yes - circumference is simply the special name for the perimeter of a circle. It equals 2 x pi x radius, or pi x diameter. This calculator labels circle results as circumference automatically.
Why did it say my triangle is invalid?
Three lengths only form a triangle when each side is shorter than the other two added together. For example, sides 2, 3 and 10 cannot make a triangle because 2 + 3 is less than 10. Double-check your measurements.

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