Perimeter of a Rhombus - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Learn how to calculate the perimeter of a rhombus with easy explanations and interactive activities!
What is a Rhombus?
A rhombus is a four-sided shape where all sides have the same length. It looks like a diamond or a tilted square. In a rhombus:
Equal Sides
All four sides have the same length
Parallel Sides
Opposite sides are parallel to each other
Equal Angles
Opposite angles are equal in measure
Math Fact!
Every rhombus is a parallelogram, but not every parallelogram is a rhombus. A square is a special type of rhombus with all right angles!
What is Perimeter?
The perimeter of any shape is the total distance around its outside. Imagine walking along the edge of a shape - the distance you would walk is the perimeter.
For a rhombus, since all four sides are equal, finding the perimeter is especially straightforward!
Real World Connection
We use perimeter in many real-life situations like fencing a yard, framing a picture, or putting trim around a window!
Perimeter Formula for a Rhombus
Since all four sides of a rhombus are equal, we can find the perimeter by multiplying the length of one side by 4:
Where:
P is the perimeter
s is the length of one side
Remember!
Because all sides are equal in a rhombus, you only need to know the length of one side to find the perimeter!
How to Calculate the Perimeter
Finding the perimeter of a rhombus is easy when you follow these steps:
Measure One Side
Find the length of one side of the rhombus
Multiply by 4
Multiply that length by 4
Add Units
Don't forget to include the units (cm, m, etc.)
Let's say one side of a rhombus is 5 cm long. The perimeter would be 4 × 5 = 20 cm. It's that simple!
Worked Examples
Example 1:
A rhombus has sides that are each 7 cm long. What is its perimeter?
Solution: P = 4 × 7 = 28 cm
Example 2:
If a rhombus has a side length of 12.5 m, what is its perimeter?
Solution: P = 4 × 12.5 = 50 m
Example 3:
The perimeter of a rhombus is 36 inches. How long is each side?
Solution: Since P = 4 × s, then s = P ÷ 4 = 36 ÷ 4 = 9 inches
Notice how we can work backward too! If we know the perimeter, we can find the side length by dividing by 4.
Rhombus Perimeter Quiz
Test your knowledge with this quiz! Answer all 5 questions to see how much you've learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the perimeter of a rhombus:
Math Trivia
Discover some interesting facts about rhombuses and geometry!
Word Origin
The word "rhombus" comes from the Greek word "rhombos," which means something that spins. This refers to the shape that spinning looms made!
In the Real World
Baseball diamonds are actually rhombuses! The distance between bases is equal, making all sides the same length.
Math Fact
In a rhombus, the diagonals always bisect each other at right angles. This means they cut each other exactly in half and form 90-degree angles!
Historical Use
Ancient cultures used rhombus shapes in their art and architecture. You can find rhombus patterns in Native American art, African textiles, and Islamic mosaics!
