104 LearnersLast updated on June 24th, 2025
Surface Area Of A Prism Calculator
A calculator is a tool designed to perform both basic arithmetic operations and advanced calculations, such as those involving trigonometry. It is especially helpful for completing mathematical school projects or exploring complex mathematical concepts. In this topic, we will discuss the Surface Area Of A Prism Calculator.
What is the Surface Area Of A Prism Calculator
The Surface Area Of A Prism Calculator is a tool designed for calculating the surface area of a prism.
A prism is a three-dimensional shape with two parallel bases that are polygons, and the sides are parallelograms. The surface area includes the area of the two bases and the lateral surface area.
The word prism comes from the Greek word "prisma", meaning "something sawed".
How to Use the Surface Area Of A Prism Calculator
For calculating the surface area of a prism using the calculator, we need to follow the steps below -
Step 1: Input: Enter the dimensions of the base and the height
Step 2: Click: Calculate Surface Area. By doing so, the dimensions we have given as input will get processed
Step 3: You will see the surface area of the prism in the output column
Tips and Tricks for Using the Surface Area Of A Prism Calculator
Mentioned below are some tips to help you get the right answer using the Surface Area Of A Prism Calculator.
Know the formula:
The formula for the surface area of a prism depends on the shape of the base. For a rectangular prism, it is ‘2lw + 2lh + 2wh’, where ‘l’ is length, ‘w’ is width, and ‘h’ is height.
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 Surface Area Of A Prism 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 150.76 cm², don’t round it to 151 right away. Finish the calculation first.
Mistake 2
Entering the wrong dimensions
Make sure to double-check the numbers you are going to enter for the dimensions. If you enter the width as ‘6’ instead of 7, the result will be incorrect.
Mistake 3
Mixing up formulas
Using the wrong formula for the type of prism you are calculating will give the wrong result. Make sure you know the correct formula for the type of prism, whether it’s rectangular, triangular, etc.
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 the positive and negative signs
Always check that you’ve entered the correct positive (+) or negative (–) signs. A small mistake, like using the wrong sign for a dimension, can completely change the result. Make sure the signs are correct before finishing your calculation.
Surface Area Of A Prism Calculator Examples
Problem 1
Help Emma find the surface area of a rectangular prism if its length is 5 cm, width is 3 cm, and height is 4 cm.
We find the surface area of the rectangular prism to be 94 cm².
Explanation
To find the surface area, we use the formula: SA = 2lw + 2lh + 2wh
Here, the values are l = 5, w = 3, and h = 4.
So, SA = 2(5)(3) + 2(5)(4) + 2(3)(4) = 30 + 40 + 24 = 94 cm².
Problem 2
The dimensions of a triangular prism are base = 6 cm, height of base = 4 cm, and length = 10 cm. What will be its surface area?
The surface area is 148 cm².
Explanation
To find the surface area, use the formula: SA = base area × 2 + perimeter of base × length Base
area = 0.5 × base × height = 0.5 × 6 × 4 = 12 cm²
Perimeter of base = 6 + 6 + 4 = 16 cm
SA = 2 × 12 + 16 × 10 = 24 + 160 = 184 cm².
Problem 3
Find the surface area of a cube with side length ‘s’ as 5 cm and a triangular prism with base = 3 cm, height of base = 2 cm, and length = 7 cm. After finding the surface areas, take their sum.
We will get the sum as 218 cm².
Explanation
For the surface area of a cube, we use the formula ‘SA = 6s²’, and for the triangular prism, we use ‘SA = base area × 2 + perimeter of base × length’.
Surface area of cube = 6 × (5)² = 6 × 25 = 150 cm²
Base area of triangular prism = 0.5 × 3 × 2 = 3 cm²
Perimeter of base = 3 + 3 + 2 = 8 cm
Surface area of triangular prism = 2 × 3 + 8 × 7 = 6 + 56 = 62 cm²
The sum of surface areas = 150 + 62 = 212 cm².
Problem 4
The height of a pentagonal prism is 8 cm, and each side of the pentagon is 5 cm. Find its surface area.
We find the surface area of the pentagonal prism to be 290 cm².
Explanation
To find the surface area, use the formula: SA = base area × 2 + perimeter of base × height Base area
= 5/4 × √(5(5 + 2√5)) × side²
= 5/4 × √(5(5 + 2√5)) × 5²
= 43.01 cm² (approx.)
Perimeter of base = 5 × 5 = 25 cm
SA = 2 × 43.01 + 25 × 8 = 86.02 + 200 = 286.02 cm² (approx.)
Problem 5
James wants to paint a hexagonal prism. If the side of the hexagon is 4 cm and the height is 10 cm, help James find its surface area.
The surface area of the hexagonal prism is 416 cm².
Explanation
Surface area of hexagonal prism = base area × 2 + perimeter of base × height Base area
= (3√3/2) × side² = (3√3/2) × (4)² = 41.57 cm² (approx.)
Perimeter of base = 6 × 4 = 24 cm
SA = 2 × 41.57 + 24 × 10 = 83.14 + 240 = 323.14 cm² (approx.)
FAQs on Using the Surface Area Of A Prism Calculator
1.What is the surface area of a prism?
2.What if a dimension is entered as ‘0’?
3.What will be the surface area of a cube with side length 3 cm?
4.What units are used to represent the surface area?
5.Can we use this calculator to find the volume of a prism?
Important Glossary for the Surface Area Of A Prism Calculator
- Surface Area: It is the total area that the surface of an object occupies, measured in square units.
- Base: The bottom surface of a prism, which can be any polygon.
- Height: The perpendicular distance between the bases in a prism.
- Lateral Surface Area: The area of the sides of a prism, not including the base.
- Perimeter: The total distance around the edge of the base of a prism.
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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
