Area of a Trapezoid Calculator

Last updated: 15 Sep 2026 | Author: Brij | Review By: Irshad

Share on :

Calculate trapezoid area from the lengths of its two parallel bases and perpendicular height for geometry, design, and construction.

Trapezoid Calculator

A (base):

B (base):

H (height):

Area:

An Area of a Trapezoid Calculator helps you find the area of a trapezoid using the lengths of its two parallel sides and its perpendicular height. Enter the two base lengths and the height to get an instant result.

This calculator is useful for geometry, construction, design, landscaping, flooring, and other projects involving trapezoid-shaped spaces.

What Is a Trapezoid?

A trapezoid is a four-sided shape with one pair of parallel sides. The parallel sides are called bases. The perpendicular distance between the bases is called the height.

To calculate the area, you need:

Base 1
Base 2
Perpendicular height

How to Use the Area of a Trapezoid Calculator

Step 1: Enter Base 1

Enter the length of one parallel side of the trapezoid.

Step 2: Enter Base 2

Enter the length of the other parallel side.

Step 3: Enter the Height

Enter the perpendicular distance between the two parallel bases. Do not use a slanted side as the height.

Step 4: View the Area

The calculator adds the two base lengths, multiplies the result by the height, and divides the answer by 2.

Area of a Trapezoid Formula

$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times (\text{Base}_{1} + \text{Base}_{2}) \times \text{Height}$

The result is shown in square units, such as square centimetres, square metres, square inches, or square feet.

Example Calculation

Suppose a trapezoid has the following measurements:

Base 1: 5 cm
Base 2: 8 cm
Height: 4 cm

Step 1: Add the Bases

$\text{Base}_{1} + \text{Base}_{2} = 5\text{ cm} + 8\text{ cm} = 13\text{ cm}$

Step 2: Multiply by the Height

$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times 13\text{ cm} \times 4\text{ cm}$

Step 3: Calculate the Area

$\text{Area} = 26\text{ cm}^{2}$

The area of the trapezoid is 26 square centimetres.

Important Tips

Use the same unit for both bases and the height.
The height must be perpendicular to the parallel bases.
The result is always expressed in square units.
Do not use the sloping side as the height unless it is perpendicular to both bases.
Measure carefully when using the calculator for construction or material estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the formula for the area of a trapezoid?

$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times (\text{Base}_{1} + \text{Base}_{2}) \times \text{Height}$

What are the bases of a trapezoid?

The bases are the two parallel sides of the trapezoid. They can have different lengths.

What is the height of a trapezoid?

The height is the shortest perpendicular distance between the two parallel bases.

Can I use a slanted side as the height?

No. Only the perpendicular distance between the parallel bases can be used as the height in the area formula.

What units can I use?

You can use centimetres, metres, inches, feet, or any other unit. Use the same unit for both bases and the height.

Is the area measured in square units?

Yes. If the base and height are measured in centimetres, the area is measured in square centimetres. If they are measured in feet, the area is measured in square feet.

Can a trapezoid have two pairs of parallel sides?

Definitions can vary. In many school settings, a trapezoid has one pair of parallel sides, while a shape with two pairs is called a parallelogram. The trapezoid area formula also works when both bases have the same length.

What is the difference between trapezoid area and perimeter?

Area measures the space inside the trapezoid. Perimeter measures the total distance around all four sides.

Check out 44 Similar Calculators:

Help Improve This Calculator

Your suggestions help us make better tools for everyone.