Measure the perimeter of a rectangle – 3 – In this worksheet, kids will measure the perimeter of a rectangle.

Measure the perimeter of a rectangle – 3 – Understanding how to measure the perimeter of a rectangle is a key skill in elementary geometry. The perimeter is the total distance around the outside of a shape. For a rectangle, which has two pairs of equal sides, the formula to calculate the perimeter is:

Perimeter = 2 × (Length + Width)

This means you simply add the length and the width together and then multiply the result by two. This formula works because a rectangle has two equal lengths and two equal widths. So, instead of adding all four sides separately (Length + Width + Length + Width), you can use this shortcut for quicker and more efficient calculations.

Let’s consider an example. If a rectangle has a length of 8 cm and a width of 5 cm, then:

Perimeter = 2 × (8 + 5) = 2 × 13 = 26 cm

Measuring the perimeter of rectangles is useful in real-life situations, like when you want to add a border around a garden, place trim around a picture frame, or install fencing around a yard. It helps students develop spatial awareness and understand how measurements work in practical scenarios.

To master this concept, learners should practice with a variety of rectangles—both with whole numbers and with decimal values. They should also be encouraged to use rulers or measuring tapes to find actual dimensions and apply the perimeter formula themselves.

Activities like coloring perimeter paths, solving perimeter puzzles, or estimating perimeters of objects in a room can make this learning process fun and engaging. Whether it’s through worksheets, games, or hands-on measurement activities, knowing how to measure the perimeter of a rectangle is a valuable foundational math skill for students of all ages.