What is area?

Definition

Area is the amount of flat space inside a shape, measured in square units such as cm² or m².

Example

A rectangle 7 cm by 4 cm has area 7 × 4 = 28 cm².

Tip

Area is inside the shape, perimeter is around it.

Practise it

• Learn it visually: Area of Rectangles (interactive lesson)
• Worksheets: Area of rectangles, triangles and parallelograms (Grade 6)
• Online maths practice

Quick check: try these

Work each one out on paper, then tap the question to see the answer.

1. The area of a triangle with base 4 cm and height 2 cm is (cm²)

   Answer: 4

2. The area of a triangle with base 12 cm and height 5 cm is (cm²)

   Answer: 30

3. The area of a triangle with base 6 cm and height 12 cm is (cm²)

   Answer: 36

4. The area of a rectangle 13 cm by 3 cm is (cm²)

   Answer: 39

Learn it in depth

Area is part of Perimeter and Area for Class 6: notes, formulas, solved examples with every step, common mistakes and ten practice questions with answers. Want a teacher to go through it with you? See Class 6 maths tuition.

Related words

Perimeter, Volume