Area of Rectangle Formula - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Learn to calculate area with step-by-step explanations and practice activities
What is Area?
Area is the amount of space inside a shape. For rectangles, it's the total surface covered by the shape.
Imagine coloring the inside of a rectangle - the area is how much paint you would need to cover it completely. We measure area in square units like square centimeters (cm²) or square meters (m²).
Why do we need to know about area? Area helps us understand how much space objects take up. We use area measurements when laying carpet, painting walls, planting gardens, and many other everyday activities!
Key Concept
Area is always measured in square units because it represents a two-dimensional space.
Rectangle Area Formula
To find the area of any rectangle, we use a simple formula:
Area Formula
This means you multiply the length measurement by the width measurement to get the area.
- A = Area
- l = Length of the rectangle
- w = Width of the rectangle
Remember
Length and width are the two different side measurements of a rectangle. It doesn't matter which is longer!
How to Calculate Area
Follow these simple steps to calculate the area of any rectangle:
Step 1: Measure the length of the rectangle (the longer side, but it doesn't have to be)
Step 2: Measure the width of the rectangle (the shorter side, but it doesn't have to be)
Step 3: Multiply the length by the width
Step 4: Write your answer in square units (cm², m², etc.)
Let's practice with an example:
Example: A rectangle has a length of 8 cm and a width of 5 cm. What is its area?
Solution: Area = Length × Width = 8 cm × 5 cm = 40 cm²
Important Note
Always include the square units in your answer. Area is measured in square units!
Solved Examples
Example 1: Notebook
A notebook measures 20 cm long and 15 cm wide. What is the area of its cover?
Solution: Area = 20 cm × 15 cm = 300 cm²
Example 2: Classroom
A classroom is 10 meters long and 8 meters wide. What is its floor area?
Solution: Area = 10 m × 8 m = 80 m²
Example 3: Phone Screen
A phone screen is 14 cm long and 7 cm wide. What is its area?
Solution: Area = 14 cm × 7 cm = 98 cm²
Example 4: Basketball Court
A basketball court is 28 meters long and 15 meters wide. What is its area?
Solution: Area = 28 m × 15 m = 420 m²
Practice Tip
Look for rectangles around you and practice calculating their areas. Start with books, tables, or windows!
Area Calculation Quiz
Test your understanding with this 5-question quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about rectangle areas:
Math Trivia
Discover interesting facts about rectangles and measurement:
Ancient Area Calculations
The ancient Egyptians developed geometry to measure land areas after Nile River floods. They used ropes to form right angles and measure rectangular fields.
Largest Rectangle
The largest man-made rectangle is the Kaesong Industrial Region in North Korea, measuring approximately 8 km × 4 km with an area of 32 km².
Golden Rectangle
The Golden Rectangle has sides in the ratio 1:1.618. This proportion appears in nature (seashells, hurricanes) and is considered aesthetically pleasing in art and architecture.
Area Formulas
While rectangles use length × width, other shapes have different formulas: triangles use ½ × base × height, and circles use π × radius².