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Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Area and Perimeter

area vs perimeterArea and perimeter are two vital fundamental concepts of mathematics, which are often understood together. These two concepts are used to measure the physical space of an object and forms a foundation for advanced mathematics. The perimeter is often understood as the length of the path that covers a closed figure while the area refers to the space covered by the closed figure.

Both the concepts have practical application and are used in our day to day life. While the area is nothing but the extent of the surface, the perimeter is the continuous line that forms a boundary of a closed geometrical shape. Take a read of the article to know the basic differences between area and perimeter.

Content: Area Vs Perimeter

  1. Comparison Chart
  2. Definition
  3. Key Differences
  4. Formulas
  5. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for ComparisonAreaPerimeter
MeaningArea is described as the measurement of the surface of the object. Perimeter refers to the outline that surrounds a closed figure.
RepresentsSpace occupied by the figure.Rim or boundary of a figure.
MeasurementSquare unitsLinear units
Dimensions involvedTwoOne
ExampleSpace covered by the garden.Length of fence required to enclose the garden.

Definition of Area

In mathematics, the area of a flat surface is defined as the amount of space covered by it. It is a physical quantity that indicates the number of square units occupied by the two-dimensional object. It is used to know how much space is taken up by a flat surface. It is measured in square units, i.e. square meters, square miles, square inches, etc.

The term area has end number of practical usage like in construction projects, farming, architecture and so on. To measure the area of a flat surface, you need to count the number of squares covered by the shape.

For instance: Suppose you need to tile the floor of the room, the number of tiles required to cover the whole room will be its area.

Definition of Perimeter

The perimeter is defined as a measure of the length of the border that surrounds a closed geometrical figure. The term ‘perimeter’ is derived from the Greek word, ‘Peri’ and ‘meter’ which means around and measure. In geometry, it implies the continuous line forming the path outside the two-dimensional shape.

In simple words, the perimeter is nothing but the length of the outline of a figure. To find out the perimeter of a particular object, you can simply add the length of the sides, to arrive at its perimeter. The perimeter of a circle is commonly known as its circumference.

For instance: a. Suppose, you wrap a string around the square, the length of the string would be its perimeter.
b. You walk around outside the garden, the distance covered would be garden’s perimeter.

Key Differences Between Area and Perimeter

The significant differences between area and perimeter are provided in detail, in the following points:

  1. The area is described as the measurement of the surface of the object. Perimeter refers to the outline that surrounds a closed figure.
  2. .Area represents the space occupied by the object. conversely, perimeter indicates the outer edge or boundary of the shape.
  3. Measurement of the area is done in square units i.e. square kilometres, square feet, square inches, etc. On the other hand, the perimeter of a shape is measured in linear units i.e. kilometres, inches, feet, etc.
  4. As the perimeter is measured in linear units, it measures only one dimension i.e. length of the object. Whereas, in the case of area, two dimensions are involved i.e. length and width of the object.

Formulas

ObjectAreaPerimeterVariable
Squarea^24awhere, a = length of side
Rectanglel×b2(l+b)where, l = length
b = breadth
Circleπr^22πr = πdwhere, r = radius
Triangle1/2 bha+b+cwhere, b = base
h = height
a,b,c = length of the sides
Rhombus(pq)/24awhere, a = side
p and q are diagonals
Parallelogrambh2(a+b)where b = base
h = height
a = side
Trapezium½(a+b) × ha+b+c+dwhere a = base
b = base
h = height
c = side
d = side


Conclusion

After reviewing the above points, it is quite clear that these two mathematical concepts are different, but you can use one to figure out another. While area simply means, the ‘space covered’ i.e. inside of the object, perimeter refers to the ‘distance around, i.e. the outline of the shape. Moreover, figures with the same perimeter can have different area and figures with the same area can have a different perimeter.

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Comments

  1. Nandita Deosthale says

    November 6, 2019 at 7:42 am

    Very clearly explained. Thank you

    Reply
  2. Md Kaif says

    May 21, 2020 at 7:50 am

    Good explanation

    Reply

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