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Last updated on July 15th, 2025

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Perimeter of Rectangle

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The total distance around a rectangle is called its perimeter. The sum of all sides of the rectangle. Perimeter of rectangle is also used for building borders, flooring, and also in construction planning. In this topic, we will learn about the perimeter of a rectangle.

Perimeter of Rectangle for US Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is the Perimeter of Rectangle?

The perimeter is the total length of all the sides of a rectangle. It is a measure of the distance that surrounds the boundary of the rectangle.

 

Formula for perimeter of rectangle

2 x (length + width)

 

How to Calculate the Perimeter of Rectangle

  • Find out the length and the width of the rectangle.
    For example, length = 10, width = 8
     
  • Put the values in the formula P = 2 x (length + width)
    Now, P = 2 x (10 + 8)
     
  • Add the numbers inside the brackets together then multiply by 2.
    Now, P = 2 x (18)
     
  • The final answer is the perimeter of rectangle
    Therefore, P = 36.

 

Example Problem on Perimeter of Rectangle

A garden with the length of 20 meters and a width of 15 meters is formed in the form of rectangle. What is the perimeter?

Solution: The length of garden = 20 meters

The width of garden = 15 meters
Now, the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is P = 2 x (length + width)
= 2 x (20 + 15)
= 2 x (35)
= 70 meters  

 

Therefore, the perimeter of a rectangular garden is 70 meters.

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Tips and Tricks for Perimeter of Rectangle

Follow a simple method that makes the process quick and efficient when you are working with the perimeter of a rectangle. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to make the calculation easy.

 

  • Before starting, make sure the units for both length and width are equal.

 

  • First, the length and width should be added, then its total should be multiplied by 2 to find the perimeter.

 

  • Make sure that you have the correct length and width by checking the measurements twice.

 

  • If you are not sure about the shape, draw a diagram to see the length and width.
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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Perimeter of Rectangle

It's easy to make mistakes when finding the perimeter of rectangle, but which in turn it will give the wrong results. Avoiding these basic miscalculation and making corrections on time will be helpful in getting time and energy saved.

Mistake 1

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Not using the right unit of measure

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Always make sure that the measurements are in the same units for both length and width. If they are different (the length is 9 meters and the width is 700 centimeters). Change it to the one that is the same as the other before measuring the perimeter, i.e., 700 centimeters = 7 meters.

Mistake 2

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Using wrong measurements

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Check always correctly for the length and width accurately every time, so that no mistakes occur. If you are in doubt measure again to ensure the answer.

 

For example, if the length of the space appears to be around 10 feet. First, double check it and then determine the perimeter.

Mistake 3

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Incorrectly understanding the formula

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The formula to find the perimeter of a rectangle is P = 2 x (length + width). But the students will wrongly understand the formula as perimeter of rectangle is P = 4 x (length + width).

Mistake 4

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Multiply the given length and width both by 2 without adding

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The first step is to always add the length and the width inside the parentheses, after that, you should multiply the result by 2 to obtain the final value of the perimeter.

 

For example, P = 2 x (30 + 26) = 2 x (56) = 112.

Mistake 5

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Using the approximate values rather than the exact measurement

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Using the correct measurement will give a higher level of accuracy.

 

For example, if the length is 6.7 meters, write it back like that itself, instead of rounding it to 7 meters.

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Perimeter of Rectangle Examples

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Problem 1

A football field is having length is 120 yards, and the width is 80 yards. What is its perimeter?

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400 yards

Explanation

The length of the football field = 120 yards

The width of football field = 80 yards

Now, the perimeter P = 2 x (length + width)

= 2 x (120 + 80)

= 2 x 200

= 400 yards

Therefore, the football field perimeter is 400 yards.

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Problem 2

A warehouse has a length of 250 feet and width of 150 feet. Calculate its perimeter.

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800 feet is the perimeter 

Explanation

The formula to find perimeter of rectangle is P = 2 x (length + width)

Here, length = 250 feet, width = 150 feet.

Now P = 2 x (250 + 150) = 2 x (400) = 800 feet

So, warehouse perimeter is 800 feet.

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Problem 3

The yard of a house is 9 meters long and 500 centimeters width. What should be the perimeter?

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28 meters

Explanation

We know that 500 centimeters = 5 meters. So the width is 5 meters and the height is 9 meters. By applying the formula, P = 2 x (9 + 5) = 2 x (14) = 28. Therefore, the perimeter is 28 meters.

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Problem 4

The table is 6 feet long, but its width is 4 feet. Find the perimeter of the table?

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20 feet

Explanation

Table length = 6 feet, table width = 4 feet.

 So, the perimeter P = 2 x (length + width)

                      = 2 x (6 feet + 4 feet)

                      = 2 x (10 feet)

                      = 20 feet 

    Finally, the perimeter of the table is 20 feet.

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Problem 5

The photo frame has 14 inches long and 10 inches width, it is used to insert the picture. What is the perimeter of the photo frame?

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48 inches.

Explanation

We know that the formula to find perimeter is 2 x (length + width), here the photo frame has length of 14 inches and width of 10 inches. Therefore, the perimeter will be P = 2 x (14 + 10) = 2 x (24) = 48 inches.

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FAQs on Perimeter of rectangle.

1.What is the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle?

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2.Is it possible for a rectangle to have the same length and width?

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3.How can you find the width if the perimeter and the length are given?

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4.Is it possible for a rectangle to have a perimeter of zero?

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5.Can a rectangle perimeter be a decimal?

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Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries for Perimeter of Rectangle

  • Decimal values: Numbers containing decimals have two parts: the whole number and fraction part, and these two parts are separated by a decimal point. For example, 2.5.

 

  • Perimeter: The perimeter of a rectangle means the total distance around the rectangle.

 

  • Units of measurement: The standard unit used for length and width, such as, meters, feet, or inches.
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