104 LearnersLast updated on June 23rd, 2025
Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator
A calculator is a tool designed to perform both basic arithmetic operations and advanced calculations, such as those involving geometry. It is especially helpful for completing mathematical school projects or exploring complex mathematical concepts. In this topic, we will discuss the Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator.
What is the Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator
The Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator is a tool designed for calculating the surface area of a triangular prism.
A triangular prism is a three-dimensional shape with two parallel and congruent triangular bases and three rectangular sides.
The surface area is the sum of the areas of these faces.
Understanding the dimensions of the triangular base and the height of the prism is crucial for accurate calculations.
How to Use the Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator
For calculating the surface area of a triangular prism using the calculator, follow the steps below -
Step 1: Input: Enter the base, height of the triangular base, and the height of the prism.
Step 2: Click: Calculate Surface Area. By doing so, the dimensions you have given as input will be processed.
Step 3: You will see the surface area of the triangular prism in the output column.
Tips and Tricks for Using the Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator
Mentioned below are some tips to help you get the right answer using the Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator.
Know the formula: The formula for the surface area of a triangular prism is SA = ab + 3bh, where ‘a’ and ‘b’ are the base and height of the triangle, and ‘h’ is the height of the prism.
Use the Right Units: Make sure all dimensions are in the right units, like centimeters or meters.
The answer will be in square units (like square centimeters or square meters), so it’s important to match them.
Enter correct Numbers: When entering dimensions, make sure the numbers are accurate.
Small mistakes can lead to big differences, especially with larger numbers.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Using the Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator
Calculators mostly help us with quick solutions.
For calculating complex math questions, students must know the intricate features of a calculator.
Given below are some common mistakes and solutions to tackle these mistakes.
Mistake 1
Rounding off too soon
Rounding the decimal number too soon can lead to wrong results.
For example, if the surface area is 120.67 cm², don’t round it to 121 right away.
Finish the calculation first.
Mistake 2
Entering the wrong dimensions for the base or height
Make sure to double-check the dimensions you are going to enter as the base and height.
If you enter the base as ‘5’ instead of ‘6’, the result will be incorrect.
Mistake 3
Mixing up formulas for different shapes
Ensure you are using the correct formula for a triangular prism.
Using the wrong formula, such as one for a rectangular prism, will give the wrong result.
Mistake 4
Relying too much on the calculator
The calculator gives an estimate. Real objects may not be perfect, so the answer might be slightly different.
Keep in mind that it's an approximation.
Mistake 5
Mixing up units
Always check that you’ve entered the correct units.
A small mistake, like using meters instead of centimeters, can completely change the result.
Make sure the units are correct before finishing your calculation.
Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator Examples
Problem 1
Help Mary find the surface area of a triangular tent with a base of 8 cm, height of the triangle as 5 cm, and prism height as 10 cm.
We find the surface area of the tent to be 240 cm².
Explanation
To find the surface area, we use the formula: SA = ab + 3bh Here, the value of ‘a’ is 8, ‘b’ is 5, and ‘h’ is 10.
We substitute the values into the formula: SA = 8 × 5 + 3 × 5 × 10 = 40 + 150 = 190 cm²
Problem 2
The base of a triangular chocolate bar is 6 cm, the height of the triangle is 4 cm, and the height of the prism is 12 cm. What will be its surface area?
The surface area is 216 cm².
Explanation
To find the surface area, we use the formula: SA = ab + 3bh
Since the base is 6, the height of the triangle is 4, and the height of the prism is 12, we can find the surface area as: SA = 6 × 4 + 3 × 4 × 12 = 24 + 144 = 168 cm²
Problem 3
Calculate the surface area of a prism with a triangular base having sides of 5 cm, 12 cm, and 13 cm. The height of the prism is 7 cm.
We will get the surface area as 320 cm².
Explanation
For the surface area of a triangular prism, we use the formula SA = ab + 3bh.
First, calculate the area of the triangular base using Heron’s formula and then find the surface area of the prism.
Area of triangle = √[s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)],
where s is the semi-perimeter = (5+12+13)/2 = 15
Area of triangle = √[15(15-5)(15-12)(15-13)] = √[15×10×3×2] = √900 = 30 cm²
Surface area = 30 + 3×7×5 = 30 + 105 = 135 cm²
Problem 4
The triangular base of a display stand has sides 3 cm, 4 cm, and 5 cm. The height of the prism is 8 cm. Find its surface area.
We find the surface area of the display stand to be 94 cm².
Explanation
First, calculate the area of the triangular base using Heron’s formula: s = (3+4+5)/2 = 6
Area of triangle = √[6(6-3)(6-4)(6-5)] = √[6×3×2×1] = √36 = 6 cm²
Surface area = 6 + 3×8×3 = 6 + 72 = 78 cm²
Problem 5
John is designing a triangular prism-shaped award. If the base of the triangle is 9 cm, the height of the triangle is 7 cm, and the height of the prism is 15 cm, help John find its surface area.
The surface area of the award is 372 cm².
Explanation
Surface area of the triangular prism = ab + 3bh = 9×7 + 3×9×15 = 63 + 405 = 468 cm².
FAQs on Using the Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator
1.What is the surface area of a triangular prism?
2.What is the value of ‘b’ that gets entered as ‘0’?
3.What will be the surface area of a triangular prism if the base is 5 cm, the height of the triangle is 3 cm, and the height of the prism is 9 cm?
4.What units are used to represent the surface area?
5.Can we use this calculator to find the surface area of a rectangular prism?
Important Glossary for the Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator
- Surface Area: The total area that the surface of an object occupies, measured in square meters (m²) or square centimeters (cm²).
- Base: The bottom side of the triangular base of the prism.
- Height (of triangle): The perpendicular distance from the base to the top of the triangle.
- Height (of prism): The perpendicular distance between the triangular bases.
- Prism: A three-dimensional geometric figure with identical ends, flat faces, and the same cross-section along its length.
Explore More calculators
![Important Math Links Icon]()
Previous to Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator
![Important Math Links Icon]()
Next to Triangular Prism Surface Area Calculator
Seyed Ali Fathima S
About the Author
Seyed Ali Fathima S a math expert with nearly 5 years of experience as a math teacher. From an engineer to a math teacher, shows her passion for math and teaching. She is a calculator queen, who loves tables and she turns tables to puzzles and songs.
Fun Fact
: She has songs for each table which helps her to remember the tables
