Geometry
Perimeter of a rectangle
Add the two different sides, then double. Equivalent to adding all four sides individually.
The Formula
P = 2 x (l + w)
Add the two different sides, then double. Equivalent to adding all four sides individually.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | Perimeter | metres | Distance around the outside. |
| l | Length | metres | The longer side. |
| w | Width | metres | The shorter side. |
What Each Symbol Means
Pmetres
Perimeter
Distance around the outside.
lmetres
Length
The longer side.
wmetres
Width
The shorter side.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate the perimeter of a rectangle page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate The Perimeter Of A Rectangle, filed under Math. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.