What is the difference between area and perimeter?
Both area and perimeter are the most fundamental concepts of mathematics. They tend to form a foundation for advanced mathematics since they are used to measure the space of an object.
The core difference between area and perimeter is the practical application as well as the usage in daily life. Let’s find out more from the lesson for easier understanding.
Meaning of Area
The area refers to the amount of space covered by an object. It is suitable for a two-dimension object and the SI unit is square meter.
The practical application is in the construction of projects, farming, and architecture among many other areas.
Meaning of Perimeter
Perimeter is the measure of the length of the border that surrounds a closed geometrical figure. It is simply the length of an outline object and the SI unite is meters.
Perimeter is also known as the circumference. An example is the distance covered when walking around the garden.
Comparison Chart: Area Vs Perimeter
| Basic Terms | Area | Perimeter |
| Definition | Measurement of the surface of the object | The measure of the length of the border that surrounds a closed geometrical figure. |
| Represent | Space occupied by an object | Circumference of an object |
| SI unit | Square meter | Meters |
| Object Dimension | Two | One |
| Example | Space covered by the garden. | Length of fence required to enclose the garden. |
Core Difference Between Area and Perimeter In Point Form
- Area describes the measure of the surface of the object while the perimeter is the measure of the length of the border that surrounds a closed geometrical figure
- The area is the amount of space occupied by an object while perimeter indicates the boundary of the shape.
- The Standard International Units of Area is square unit while that of the perimeter is a linear unit.
- Example of area usage is to carpet the whole room while the perimeter is to put a fence around the garden
Similarities between Area and Perimeter
- Both are the concept of mathematics
- Both are used to find the measurements
Formulas to Calculate Area and Perimeter
| OBJECT | AREA | PERIMETER | VARIABLE |
| Square | L2 | 4L | L is the length of the side |
| Rectangle | L×B | 2(L+B) | l = length b = breadth |
| Circle | Πr2 | 2πr = πd | r = radius |
| Triangle | 1/2 bh | a+b+c | b = base h = height a,b,c = length of the sides |
| Rhombus | (pq)/2 | 4a | where a = side
p and q are diagonals |
| Parallelogram | bh | 2(a+b) | where b = base
h = height a = side |
| Trapezium | ½(a+b) × h | a+b+c+d | where a = base b = base h = height c = side d = side |
You May Also Like:
- Difference between 2D and 3D Shapes
- Difference between Length and Height
- Difference Between Trigonal Planar and Trigonal Pyramidal
Comparison Video
Summary
The two mathematical concepts tend to be quite different and they are applicable depending on the shape of the object.
Understanding the difference between area and perimeter will help to know the circumstances under which they are used together.
More Sources and References
- Calculating Perimeter and Area. Maths Planet
- Area. Wikipedia