BrightChamps Logo
Login
Creative Math Ideas Image
Live Math Learners Count Icon101 Learners

Last updated on July 25th, 2025

Math Whiteboard Illustration

Perimeter of Trapezium

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

The perimeter of a shape is the total length of its boundary. The sum of all four sides is called the perimeter of a trapezium. Perimeter is also used for fencing a property, sewing, and more. In this topic, we will learn about the perimeter of a trapezium.

Perimeter of Trapezium for UK Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is the Perimeter of a Trapezium?

The perimeter of a trapezium is the total length of its four sides. By adding the length of all four sides, we get the perimeter of the shape. The formula for the perimeter of a trapezium is ๐‘ƒ = ๐‘Ž + ๐‘ + ๐‘ + ๐‘‘, where a, b, c, and d are the sides of the trapezium. For instance, if a trapezium has sides, a = 5, b = 7, c = 9, and d = 6, then its perimeter is P = 5 + 7 + 9 + 6 = 27.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Formula for Perimeter of Trapezium - ๐‘ท = ๐‘Ž + ๐‘ + ๐‘ + ๐‘‘.

Letโ€™s consider another example of a trapezium with side lengths, ๐‘Ž = 8, ๐‘ = 12, ๐‘ = 10, and ๐‘‘ = 14. So the perimeter of the trapezium will be: ๐‘ท = ๐‘Ž + ๐‘ + ๐‘ + ๐‘‘ = 8 + 12 + 10 + 14 = 44.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

How to Calculate the Perimeter of Trapezium

To find the perimeter of a trapezium, we just need to apply the given formula and sum all the sides of the trapezium. For instance, a given trapezium has the sides of a = 7, b = 8, c = 5, d = 9. Perimeter = sum of all sides = 7 + 8 + 5 + 9 = 29 cm. Example Problem on Perimeter of Trapezium - For finding the perimeter of a trapezium, we use the formula, ๐‘ท = ๐‘Ž + ๐‘ + ๐‘ + ๐‘‘. For example, letโ€™s say, a = 6 cm, b = 4 cm, c = 3 cm, and d = 5 cm. Now, the perimeter = sum of all sides = 6 + 4 + 3 + 5 = 18 cm Therefore, the perimeter of the trapezium is 18 cm.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Tips and Tricks for Perimeter of Trapezium

Learning some tips and tricks makes it easier for children to calculate the perimeter of trapeziums. Here are some tips and tricks given below: Always remember that a trapezium's perimeter is simply the sum of the four sides of the shape. For that, use the formula, ๐‘ท = ๐‘Ž + ๐‘ + ๐‘ + ๐‘‘. Calculating the perimeter of a trapezium starts by determining the length of each side. If coordinates are given, use the distance formula: Distance = โˆš((x2-x1)ยฒ + (y2-y1)ยฒ). Here, (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) indicate the positions of two points that form a trapeziumโ€™s side. They can be found by adding the lengths of four sides after they are calculated. To reduce confusion, arrange the indicated side lengths if you need the perimeter of a group of trapeziums. After that, apply the formula to each trapezium. To avoid mistakes when adding the perimeter, make sure the side lengths are precise and constant for common uses like gardening and architecture. If you are given the semi-perimeter, which is half the perimeter, you can multiply it by 2 to determine the full perimeter. Area-related calculations, like Heronโ€™s formula, often use the semi-perimeter.

Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Perimeter of Trapezium

Did you know that while working with the perimeter of a trapezium, children might encounter some errors or difficulties? We have many solutions to resolve these problems. Here are some given below:

Mistake 1

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Incorrectly assuming equal sides for trapeziums that are not isosceles.

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Remember that only isosceles trapeziums have equal non-parallel sides. The lengths of all the sides of other trapezium types should be summed up to find the perimeter.

Mistake 2

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Students may confuse the concepts of area and perimeter, leading to incorrect calculations.

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

It is important to note that the perimeter, calculated in linear units, is the total length of the trapeziumโ€™s sides, while the area, in square units, represents the space inside the trapezium.

Mistake 3

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Assuming that every trapezium is regular or isosceles, leading to inaccurate calculations.

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

A scalene trapezium has all the sides of different lengths. Always be aware of the trapezium's type to ensure accurate calculations.

Mistake 4

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Using the wrong values for the length of the sides, misreading a problem, or mislabeling the sides.

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Double-check the problem and ensure that you're using the correct lengths for your trapezium.

Mistake 5

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Misunderstanding or misidentifying the side lengths that are given in a problem outline.

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Before starting the calculations, make sure that you understand the problem, and if it's possible, try to draw a trapezium to accurately identify the side lengths.

arrow-right
Max from BrightChamps Saying "Hey"
Hey!

Perimeter of Trapezium Examples

Ray, the Character from BrightChamps Explaining Math Concepts
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 1

A trapezium-shaped park has a perimeter of 60 meters and three sides measuring 15 meters, 12 meters, and 18 meters. To find out the missing side, subtract the sum of the known sides from the total perimeter.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Letโ€™s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

Length of the missing side = 15 meters.

Explanation

Let โ€˜dโ€™ be the length of the missing side. And the given perimeter = 60 meters. Length of the three known sides = 15, 12, and 18 meters. Perimeter of trapezium = sum of lengths of four sides. 60 = 15 + 12 + 18 + d 60 = 45 + d d = 60 โ€“ 45 = 15 Therefore, the missing side is 15 meters.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained ๐Ÿ‘
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

A piece of land with a perimeter of 150 meters is reshaped into a trapezium with one side measuring 40 meters and two parallel sides measuring 35 meters each. Find the length of the remaining side.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Letโ€™s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

40 meters

Explanation

Given that the perimeter of the land is equal to the sum of all sides of the trapezium, here is the solution: Perimeter of trapezium = Total length of the land Length of the land used = Perimeter of the trapezium formed Perimeter of trapezium = 40 + 35 + 35 + d 150 = 110 + d 150 - 110 = d d = 40 Therefore, the length of the remaining side of the trapezium is 40 meters.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained ๐Ÿ‘
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

Find the perimeter of a trapezium with sides measuring 10 cm, 12 cm, 8 cm, and 15 cm.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Letโ€™s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

45 cm

Explanation

Perimeter of trapezium = a + b + c + d P = 10 + 12 + 8 + 15 = 45 Therefore, the perimeter of the trapezium is 45 cm.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained ๐Ÿ‘
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 4

John wants to build a fence around his trapezium-shaped garden. The sides of the garden measure: Side A = 20 meters Side B = 25 meters Side C = 30 meters Side D = 15 meters How much fencing should John buy to go around the garden?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Letโ€™s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

John will need 90 meters of fencing to go around the garden.

Explanation

The perimeter of a trapezium is the sum of all four sides. Using the formula: P = a + b + c + d P = 20 + 25 + 30 + 15 = 90 meters.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained ๐Ÿ‘
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 5

Find the perimeter of a trapezium-shaped sheet of metal with sides measuring 14 cm, 11 cm, 9 cm, and 10 cm.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Letโ€™s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

Perimeter = a + b + c + d = 14 + 11 + 9 + 10 = 44 cm.

Explanation

Each side of the trapezium has a different length. The entire distance around the sheet is calculated to be 44 cm by summing the lengths of the four sides.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained ๐Ÿ‘
Ray Thinking Deeply About Math Problems

FAQs on Perimeter of Trapezium

1.Evaluate the trapeziumโ€™s perimeter if its sides are 8 cm, 5 cm, 7 cm, and 6 cm.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

2.What is meant by a trapeziumโ€™s perimeter?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

3.What are the types of trapeziums?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

4.Which trapezium has no equal sides?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

5.Which trapezium has equal non-parallel sides?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries for Perimeter of Trapezium

Perimeter: The total length of the sides of a shape. Trapezium: A quadrilateral with at least one pair of parallel sides. Isosceles Trapezium: A trapezium with equal non-parallel sides. Scalene Trapezium: A trapezium with all sides of different lengths. Formula of perimeter: The mathematical expression used to calculate the perimeter of a trapezium is ๐‘ท = ๐‘Ž + ๐‘ + ๐‘ + ๐‘‘.

Math Teacher Background Image
Math Teacher Image

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.

Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

: She has songs for each table which helps her to remember the tables

INDONESIA - Axa Tower 45th floor, JL prof. Dr Satrio Kav. 18, Kel. Karet Kuningan, Kec. Setiabudi, Kota Adm. Jakarta Selatan, Prov. DKI Jakarta
INDIA - H.No. 8-2-699/1, SyNo. 346, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500034
SINGAPORE - 60 Paya Lebar Road #05-16, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore (409051)
USA - 251, Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808
VIETNAM (Office 1) - Hung Vuong Building, 670 Ba Thang Hai, ward 14, district 10, Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM (Office 2) - 143 Nguyแป…n Thแป‹ Thแบญp, Khu ฤ‘รด thแป‹ Him Lam, Quแบญn 7, Thร nh phแป‘ Hแป“ Chรญ Minh 700000, Vietnam
UAE - BrightChamps, 8W building 5th Floor, DAFZ, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
UK - Ground floor, Redwood House, Brotherswood Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol, BS32 4QW, United Kingdom