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Last updated on August 5th, 2025

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Perimeter of Rectangular Prism

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The perimeter of a shape is the total length of its boundary. In the context of a rectangular prism, perimeter often refers to the perimeter of one of its faces, usually a rectangular face. In this topic, we will learn about the perimeter of a rectangular prism's face.

Perimeter of Rectangular Prism for US Students
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What is the Perimeter of a Rectangular Prism?

The perimeter of a rectangular prism typically refers to the perimeter of one of its rectangular faces. By adding the lengths of all four sides of the face, we get the perimeter of that face. The formula for the perimeter of a rectangular face is 𝑷 = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀, where 𝑙 is the length and 𝑀 is the width of the rectangle. For instance, if a rectangular face has dimensions, 𝑙 = 6 and 𝑀 = 4, then its perimeter is 𝑷 = 2(6) + 2(4) = 20.

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Formula for Perimeter of Rectangular Face - 𝑷 = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀.

Let’s consider another example of a rectangular face with dimensions, 𝑙 = 8 and 𝑀 = 5. So the perimeter of the rectangular face will be: 𝑷 = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀 = 2(8) + 2(5) = 26.

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How to Calculate the Perimeter of a Rectangular Face

To find the perimeter of a rectangular face of a prism, we just need to apply the given formula and sum the double of the length and the width of the rectangle. For instance, a given rectangular face has dimensions of 𝑙 = 7 and 𝑀 = 3. Perimeter = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀 = 2(7) + 2(3) = 14 + 6 = 20 cm. Example Problem on Perimeter of Rectangular Face - For finding the perimeter of a rectangular face, we use the formula, 𝑷 = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀. For example, let’s say, 𝑙 = 9 cm and 𝑀 = 4 cm. Now, the perimeter = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀 = 2(9) + 2(4) = 18 + 8 = 26 cm. Therefore, the perimeter of the rectangular face is 26 cm.

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Tips and Tricks for Perimeter of Rectangular Prism

Learning some tips and tricks makes it easier for children to calculate the perimeter of rectangular faces. Here are some tips and tricks given below: Always remember that a rectangle's perimeter is simply the sum of twice the length and twice the width. For that, use the formula, 𝑷 = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀. Calculating the perimeter of a rectangular face starts by determining the length and width of the face. These can be found by measuring or being given in a problem statement. To reduce confusion, specifically arrange the indicated dimensions if you need the perimeter of multiple rectangular faces. After that, apply the formula to each face. To avoid mistakes when adding the perimeter, make sure the dimensions are precise and constant for practical uses like construction and design. If you are given the semi-perimeter, which is half the perimeter, you can multiply it by 2 to determine the full perimeter. This is often useful in area-related calculations.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Perimeter of Rectangular Prism

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

Mistake 1

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Incorrectly applying the perimeter formula for a rectangle instead of a different shape.

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Remember that the formula 𝑷 = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀 is specifically for rectangular faces. Ensure that you are calculating the perimeter of a rectangular face and not another shape.

Mistake 2

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

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It is important to note that the perimeter, calculated in linear units, is the total length around the rectangle’s sides, while the area, in square units, represents the space inside the rectangle.

Mistake 3

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Assuming that every face is a square, which results in inaccurate calculations.

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A rectangle can have different lengths and widths. Always be mindful of the dimensions to ensure accurate calculations.

Mistake 4

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Using the wrong values for the length or width, misreading a problem, or mislabeling the dimensions.

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Double-check the problem and ensure that you're using the correct dimensions for your rectangular face.

Mistake 5

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

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Before starting the calculations, make sure that you understand the problem and, if possible, try to visualize the rectangular face to accurately identify the dimensions.

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Perimeter of Rectangular Prism Examples

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Problem 1

A rectangular gift box has a face with dimensions 12 inches by 8 inches. Find the perimeter of this face.

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40 inches

Explanation

Let 𝑙 be the length and 𝑀 be the width. The given dimensions are 𝑙 = 12 inches and 𝑀 = 8 inches. Perimeter of the rectangular face = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀 = 2(12) + 2(8) = 24 + 16 = 40 inches Therefore, the perimeter of the face is 40 inches.

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Problem 2

A picture frame has a rectangular border with a perimeter of 60 inches. If the length is 20 inches, find the width of the border.

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10 inches

Explanation

Given the perimeter 𝑷 = 60 inches and length 𝑙 = 20 inches, we need to find the width 𝑀. Perimeter of rectangle = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀 60 = 2(20) + 2𝑀 60 = 40 + 2𝑀 20 = 2𝑀 𝑀 = 10 Therefore, the width of the border is 10 inches.

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Problem 3

Find the perimeter of a rectangular tabletop with dimensions 6 cm by 4 cm.

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20 cm

Explanation

Perimeter of rectangle = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀 𝑷 = 2(6) + 2(4) = 12 + 8 = 20 cm Therefore, the perimeter of the tabletop is 20 cm.

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Problem 4

A rectangular garden is 15 meters long and 10 meters wide. How much fencing is needed to enclose the garden?

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50 meters of fencing is needed to enclose the garden.

Explanation

The perimeter of a rectangular garden is the sum of twice the length and twice the width. Using the formula: 𝑷 = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀 𝑷 = 2(15) + 2(10) = 30 + 20 = 50 meters.

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Problem 5

Find the perimeter of a rectangular billboard with a length of 18 meters and a width of 7 meters.

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50 meters

Explanation

The perimeter of the rectangular billboard is calculated by adding twice the length and twice the width. 𝑷 = 2(18) + 2(7) = 36 + 14 = 50 meters.

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FAQs on Perimeter of Rectangular Prism

1.Evaluate the perimeter of a rectangular face with sides 5 cm and 9 cm.

Perimeter of rectangle = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀, Hence 𝑷 = 2(5) + 2(9) = 10 + 18 = 28 cm.

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2.What is meant by a rectangular face’s perimeter?

The total length around a rectangular face’s sides is its perimeter. In other words, the perimeter of a rectangular face is the total length of its boundary.

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3.What are the characteristics of a rectangular prism?

A rectangular prism has six faces, all of which are rectangles, with opposite faces being equal. It has 12 edges and 8 vertices.

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

The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is 𝑷 = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀, where 𝑙 is the length and 𝑀 is the width.

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5.Can a square be considered a rectangle?

Yes, a square is a special type of rectangle where all four sides are equal.

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Important Glossaries for Perimeter of Rectangular Prism

Perimeter: The total length of the sides of a shape. Rectangular Prism: A three-dimensional shape with six rectangular faces. Rectangle: A flat shape with four straight sides where opposite sides are parallel and equal in length. Formula for perimeter: The mathematical expression used to calculate the perimeter of a rectangle is 𝑷 = 2𝑙 + 2𝑀. Face: A flat surface that forms part of the boundary of a solid object.

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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.

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Fun Fact

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

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