BrightChamps Logo
Login

Summarize this article:

Live Math Learners Count Icon101 Learners

Last updated on September 13, 2025

Area of Pentagon

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

The area is the space inside the boundaries of a two-dimensional shape or surface. There are different formulas for finding the area of various shapes/figures. These are widely used in architecture and design. In this section, we will find the area of a pentagon.

Area of Pentagon for US Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is the Area of a Pentagon?

A pentagon is a five-sided polygon with five angles. The sum of the interior angles of a pentagon is 540 degrees. A regular pentagon has all sides and angles equal.

 

The area of a pentagon is the total space it encloses.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Area of the Pentagon Formula

To find the area of a regular pentagon, we use the formula: Area = (1/4) × √(5(5+2√5)) × a², where 'a' is the length of a side. Now let’s see how the formula is applied:

 

Given that a regular pentagon can be divided into five identical isosceles triangles, we can compute the area of one of these triangles and then multiply it by five to get the area of the pentagon. Each triangle has a central angle of 72 degrees (360/5). Using trigonometric identities, we can find the height of the triangle and calculate its area. Multiplying by five gives the total area of the pentagon.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

How to Find the Area of a Pentagon?

We can find the area of a regular pentagon using the side length. Here’s how to calculate it:

 

Method Using the Side Length

 

If the side length 'a' is given, we find the area of the pentagon using the formula Area = (1/4) × √(5(5+2√5)) × a². For example, if 'a' is 6 cm, what will be the area of the pentagon? Area = (1/4) × √(5(5+2√5)) × 6² ≈ 61.94 cm²

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Unit of Area of a Pentagon

We measure the area of a pentagon in square units. The measurement depends on the system used:

 

In the metric system, the area is measured in square meters (m²), square centimeters (cm²), and square millimeters (mm²). In the imperial system, the area is measured in square inches (in²), square feet (ft²), and square yards (yd²).

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Special Cases or Variations for the Area of a Pentagon

For irregular pentagons, the area can be found by dividing the pentagon into triangles, calculating their individual areas, and summing them.

 

For regular pentagons, use the formula involving side length: Area = (1/4) × √(5(5+2√5)) × a².

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Tips and Tricks for Area of a Pentagon

To ensure correct results while calculating the area of a pentagon, consider the following tips:

  • Ensure the pentagon is regular if using the regular pentagon formula.
     
  • When dividing an irregular pentagon into triangles, ensure all necessary dimensions are measured accurately.
     
  • For regular pentagons, remember that all sides and angles are equal.
Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Area of Pentagon

It is common to make mistakes while finding the area of a pentagon. Let’s take a look at some mistakes made:

Mistake 1

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Using the wrong formula for irregular pentagons

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

For irregular pentagons, do not use the formula for regular pentagons.

 

Instead, divide the pentagon into triangles and sum their areas.

Mistake 2

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Incorrectly using side length in the formula

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Ensure that the side length used in the formula is accurate.

 

Double-check measurements to avoid miscalculations.

Mistake 3

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Mixing units of measurement

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Ensure that all measurements are in the same unit system before calculating the area.

 

Convert units as necessary.

Mistake 4

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Forgetting to square the side length

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

When using the formula for a regular pentagon, remember to square the side length 'a'.

Mistake 5

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Confusing regular and irregular pentagons

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Regular pentagons have equal sides and angles.

 

Ensure you use the correct formula or method based on the type of pentagon.

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

Area of Pentagon Examples

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

Problem 1

A regular pentagon-shaped park has a side length of 10 m. What will be the area?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

We will find the area as approximately 172.05 m².

Explanation

Here, the side length 'a' is 10 m.

Using the formula for a regular pentagon:

Area = (1/4) × √(5(5+2√5)) × 10² ≈ 172.05 m²

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

What is the area of a regular pentagon with a side length of 8 cm?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

We will find the area as approximately 110.12 cm².

Explanation

If the side length 'a' is 8 cm, we use the formula:

Area = (1/4) × √(5(5+2√5)) × 8² ≈ 110.12 cm²

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

Find the area of a regular pentagon if its side length is 12 m.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

We will find the area as approximately 248.53 m².

Explanation

The given side length 'a' is 12 m.

Using the formula for a regular pentagon:

Area = (1/4) × √(5(5+2√5)) × 12² ≈ 248.53 m²

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 4

Help Sarah calculate the area of a regular pentagon with a side length of 15 cm.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

We will find the area as approximately 387.11 cm².

Explanation

The given side length 'a' is 15 cm.

Using the formula for a regular pentagon:

Area = (1/4) × √(5(5+2√5)) × 15² ≈ 387.11 cm²

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 5

Calculate the area of a regular pentagon if the side length is 7 m.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

We will find the area as approximately 84.30 m².

Explanation

The side length 'a' is 7 m.

Using the formula for a regular pentagon:

Area = (1/4) × √(5(5+2√5)) × 7² ≈ 84.30 m²

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Ray Thinking Deeply About Math Problems

FAQs on Area of Pentagon

1.Is it possible for the area of a pentagon to be negative?

No, the area of a pentagon can never be negative. The area of any shape will always be positive.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

2.How to find the area of a regular pentagon if only the side length is given?

If the side length is given, use the formula Area = (1/4) × √(5(5+2√5)) × a².

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

3.Can the area formula for regular pentagons be used for irregular pentagons?

No, the formula for regular pentagons cannot be used for irregular pentagons. For irregular pentagons, divide them into triangles and sum their areas.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

4.What is meant by the area of a pentagon?

The area of a pentagon is the total space enclosed within its five sides.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

5.How is the perimeter of a regular pentagon calculated?

The perimeter of a regular pentagon is calculated using the formula P = 5 × a, where 'a' is the side length.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow
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 Nguyễn Thị Thập, Khu đô thị Him Lam, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí 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