BrightChamps Logo
Login
Creative Math Ideas Image
Live Math Learners Count Icon107 Learners

Last updated on August 5th, 2025

Math Whiteboard Illustration

Perimeter of Irregular Shapes

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

The perimeter of a shape is the total length of its boundary. The perimeter of an irregular shape is found by adding the lengths of all its sides. Perimeter is used for fencing a property, sewing, and more. In this topic, we will learn about the perimeter of irregular shapes.

Perimeter of Irregular Shapes for US Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is the Perimeter of an Irregular Shape?

The perimeter of an irregular shape is the total length of all its sides. By adding the length of each side, we get the perimeter of the shape. Unlike regular shapes, irregular shapes do not have a simple formula for perimeter because their sides can be of varying lengths. For instance, if an irregular quadrilateral has sides of 5, 7, 9, and 11 units, its perimeter is 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 = 32 units.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Example of Calculating the Perimeter of an Irregular Shape

Let's consider an irregular pentagon with side lengths of 8, 5, 6, 7, and 9 units. So the perimeter of the pentagon will be: Perimeter = 8 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 9 = 35 units.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

How to Calculate the Perimeter of an Irregular Shape

To find the perimeter of an irregular shape, simply add the length of each side. For example, a given irregular hexagon has side lengths of 4, 6, 9, 3, 5, and 8 units. Perimeter = 4 + 6 + 9 + 3 + 5 + 8 = 35 units. Example Problem on Perimeter of Irregular Shape - For finding the perimeter of an irregular shape, sum all the sides. For example, let's say a pentagon has sides of 10, 12, 9, 8, and 7 units. Perimeter = 10 + 12 + 9 + 8 + 7 = 46 units. Therefore, the perimeter of the pentagon is 46 units.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Tips and Tricks for Perimeter of Irregular Shapes

Learning some tips and tricks makes it easier for children to calculate the perimeter of irregular shapes. Here are some tips and tricks given below: Always remember that the perimeter of an irregular shape is simply the sum of all its sides. When calculating the perimeter, start by determining the length of each side using a measuring tool if necessary. For shapes plotted on a coordinate plane, use the distance formula: Distance = √((x2-x1)² + (y2-y1)²), where (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are points of a side. To reduce confusion, arrange side lengths systematically if calculating for multiple shapes and then apply addition. To avoid mistakes when adding the perimeter, ensure the side lengths are measured accurately, especially for practical applications like gardening and construction. If a semi-perimeter is given (half the perimeter), multiply it by 2 to find the full perimeter. Such calculations are helpful when dealing with certain geometric formulas.

Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Perimeter of Irregular Shapes

Did you know that while working with the perimeter of irregular shapes, 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

Confusing the perimeter with the area of a shape.

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Remember that the perimeter is the total length around the shape's boundary, measured in linear units, while the area is the space inside the shape, measured in square units.

Mistake 2

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Using incorrect or inconsistent measurements for side lengths.

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Ensure all side lengths are measured accurately and consistently in the same units to avoid errors in calculating the perimeter.

Mistake 3

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Misidentifying which sides belong to the shape, especially in complex figures.

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Carefully identify and label each side of the shape to ensure accurate perimeter calculations.

Mistake 4

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Overlooking small sides in complex shapes, leading to underestimation of the perimeter.

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Double-check your measurements to ensure all sides, including smaller ones, are accounted for in the total perimeter.

Mistake 5

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Misreading a problem or mislabeling sides, leading to incorrect calculations.

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Before starting calculations, make sure to understand the problem fully and, if possible, sketch the shape to accurately identify its side lengths.

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

Perimeter of Irregular Shapes Examples

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

Problem 1

A garden has an irregular shape with sides measuring 20, 15, 30, and 25 meters. Calculate the total fencing needed.

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

90 meters

Explanation

The perimeter of the garden is the sum of all its sides. Perimeter = 20 + 15 + 30 + 25 = 90 meters. Therefore, 90 meters of fencing is needed.

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

Problem 2

A piece of land is shaped like an irregular quadrilateral with sides 45, 60, 35, and 50 meters. What is the perimeter?

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

190 meters

Explanation

The perimeter of the land is calculated by adding the lengths of all sides: Perimeter = 45 + 60 + 35 + 50 = 190 meters. Therefore, the perimeter is 190 meters.

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

Problem 3

Find the perimeter of an irregular hexagon with side lengths 7, 9, 5, 8, 10, and 6 units.

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

45 units

Explanation

Perimeter of hexagon = 7 + 9 + 5 + 8 + 10 + 6 = 45 units. Therefore, the perimeter is 45 units.

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

Problem 4

A farmer wants to enclose an irregularly shaped plot of land with side lengths 12, 18, 15, and 21 meters. How much fencing will he need?

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

66 meters

Explanation

To find the perimeter, add the lengths of all sides: Perimeter = 12 + 18 + 15 + 21 = 66 meters. Thus, the farmer will need 66 meters of fencing.

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

Problem 5

Calculate the perimeter of an irregular pentagon with sides measuring 13, 16, 12, 14, and 11 meters.

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

66 meters

Explanation

The perimeter is found by summing the lengths of all five sides: Perimeter = 13 + 16 + 12 + 14 + 11 = 66 meters. So the perimeter of the pentagon is 66 meters.

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

FAQs on Perimeter of Irregular Shapes

1.How do you find the perimeter of an irregular shape?

To find the perimeter of an irregular shape, sum the lengths of all its sides.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

2.Why is there no simple formula for the perimeter of irregular shapes?

Irregular shapes can have sides of varying lengths and angles, making it impossible to have a single formula. Instead, you add the length of each side.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

3.What tools can be used to measure sides of irregular shapes?

You can use rulers, tape measures, or the distance formula for coordinates to measure sides of irregular shapes.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

4.Can irregular shapes have equal side lengths?

While irregular shapes typically have sides of different lengths, some irregular shapes might have pairs of equal sides but not all.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

5.Is the perimeter of an irregular shape always greater than the area?

No, the perimeter and area are different measures; one is linear, and the other is square. They are not directly comparable in terms of size.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries for Perimeter of Irregular Shapes

Perimeter: The total length of the boundary around a shape. Irregular Shape: A shape whose sides and angles are not all equal. Side Length: The measurement of one side of a shape. Distance Formula: A mathematical formula used to find the distance between two points on a coordinate plane. Measurement: The process of determining the length of the sides of a shape.

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