Geometry
Total surface area
Three rectangular sides plus the two triangular ends.
The Formula
surface area = perimeter x length + 2 x triangle area
Three rectangular sides plus the two triangular ends.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Surface area | square length units | The whole outside of the prism. |
| a + b + c | Perimeter | same length unit | The distance around the triangle. |
| L | Length | same length unit | How far the prism runs. |
What Each Symbol Means
Ssquare length units
Surface area
The whole outside of the prism.
a + b + csame length unit
Perimeter
The distance around the triangle.
Lsame length unit
Length
How far the prism runs.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate the volume of a triangular prism 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 Volume Of A Triangular Prism, filed under Math. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.