A Polygon Perimeter Calculator helps you find the total distance around a regular polygon. Enter the number of sides and the length of one side to calculate the perimeter instantly.
This calculator is useful for geometry problems, construction layouts, design projects, fencing estimates, and other measurements involving regular shapes.
What Is the Perimeter of a Polygon?
The perimeter of a polygon is the total distance around its outer boundary. A polygon is a two-dimensional shape with straight sides, such as a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon.
For a regular polygon, all sides have the same length. This makes the perimeter easy to calculate.
How to Use the Polygon Perimeter Calculator
Step 1: Enter the Number of Sides
Enter the total number of sides in the regular polygon.
For example:
- Triangle: 3 sides
- Square: 4 sides
- Pentagon: 5 sides
- Hexagon: 6 sides
- Octagon: 8 sides
Step 2: Enter the Side Length
Enter the length of one side of the polygon. You can use any unit, such as centimetres, metres, inches, or feet.
Step 3: View the Perimeter
The calculator multiplies the number of sides by the length of one side to find the total perimeter.
Perimeter of a Regular Polygon Formula
To calculate the perimeter of a regular polygon, multiply the number of sides by the length of one side.
Perimeter=Number of Sides×Side Length
Example Calculations
Square Perimeter
A square has 4 equal sides. If each side is 6 feet long:
Perimeter=4×6 ft=24 ft
The perimeter of the square is 24 feet.
Regular Hexagon Perimeter
A regular hexagon has 6 equal sides. If each side is 5 centimetres long:
Perimeter=6×5 cm=30 cm
The perimeter of the hexagon is 30 centimetres.
Regular Octagon Perimeter
A regular octagon has 8 equal sides. If each side is 3 metres long:
Perimeter=8×3 m=24 m
The perimeter of the octagon is 24 metres.
Perimeter of an Irregular Polygon
An irregular polygon has sides with different lengths. To calculate its perimeter, add the length of every side.
Perimeter=s1+s2+s3+⋯+sn
This calculator is designed for regular polygons, where every side has the same length.
Perimeter vs. Area
Perimeter and area describe different measurements:
- Perimeter is the distance around the outside of a shape. It is measured in units such as centimetres, metres, inches, or feet.
- Area is the amount of space inside a shape. It is measured in square units, such as square centimetres, square metres, square inches, or square feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a regular polygon?
A regular polygon is a shape with all sides equal in length and all angles equal in size. Examples include an equilateral triangle, square, regular pentagon, and regular hexagon.
How do I calculate the perimeter of a regular polygon?
Multiply the number of sides by the length of one side.
Perimeter=Number of Sides×Side Length
Can I use this calculator for a triangle?
Yes. Enter 3 as the number of sides and the length of one side. This applies to an equilateral triangle, where all three sides are equal.
Can I use this calculator for a square?
Yes. Enter 4 as the number of sides and the length of one side.
Can I use this calculator for an irregular polygon?
This calculator is intended for regular polygons. For an irregular polygon, measure and add the length of every side.
What units can I use for side length?
You can use centimetres, metres, inches, feet, or any other length unit. The perimeter result will use the same unit entered for the side length.
What is the minimum number of sides a polygon can have?
A polygon must have at least 3 sides. A triangle is the polygon with the fewest sides.
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