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Last updated on July 15th, 2025

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Perimeter of Square

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The perimeter of a square is defined as the total length of a square of all the four sides. Square length is used for making a photo frame, to build a square park, etc. In this topic, we shall learn more about the perimeter of the square.

Perimeter of Square for US Students
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What is the Perimeter of Square?

A square perimeter can be found by adding all the four sides together. Since a square has equal sides, we can also multiply the length of one side four times. That is,

Perimeter of square (P) = Side + Side + Side + Side

  Or

Perimeter of square (P) = 4 × Side


For example, a square garden has each side measuring 5 meters. To find the perimeter of the garden, we multiply side by four. That is, 

Perimeter = 4 × 5

Perimeter = 20 meters

So, the total distance around the garden is 20 meters.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Tips and Tricks for Perimeter of Square

The perimeter of a square is commonly used in real-life situations like fencing, framing, and designing. Here are some of the tips and tricks for the perimeter of a square formed by its four equal sides. These will help us measure how long the edges of a square are altogether, faster and easier. 

 

  • Always remember the formula for the perimeter of a square is 4 side. It will help you reach the answer faster than adding up all the four sides. Simply, just multiply one side of a square by four. 

 

  • Use real-life examples for the perimeter of the square. This will help you understand the concept better.

 

  • Double-check the shape of the given square. Because kids might sometimes confuse rectangle and square, thinking both are the same.

 

  • Always include the unit (like meters, centimeters) in your final answer to make it meaningful.

 

  • Remember, the perimeter can also be found by adding all the four sides together, only if you feel that multiplying the four sides is tricky.
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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Perimeter of Square

When calculating the perimeter of a square, common mistakes often include confusing it with other shapes or forgetting to multiply by 4. Understanding these errors and learning simple strategies to avoid them ensures accurate and confident calculations.

Mistake 1

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Mistaking a Rectangle for a Square

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Kids might assume all four sides are equal without checking the shape. Always confirm that the shape is a square, where all the four sides are equal, before using the formula.

Mistake 2

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Forgetting to Multiply by 4

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Kids might calculate the perimeter as just the length of one side instead of multiplying it by 4. Remember the formula Perimeter = 4 side and write it down to guide your calculation.

Mistake 3

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Wrong Units in the Answer

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There is always a possibility that kids might leave the answer without units or using the wrong units (e.g., writing meters instead of centimeters). Always include the same units as the side length (e.g., if the side is in meters, the perimeter must be in meters).

Mistake 4

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Adding Instead of Multiplying

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Kids might add the side length to 4 (e.g., side + 4, instead of 4 × side). Practice the correct formula and remember it represents multiplication, not addition.

Mistake 5

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Using the Wrong Side Length

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Using the diagonal length or other measurements instead of the side length is another way that kids might make mistakes. Always identify and double-check the correct side length before starting the calculation.

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Perimeter of Square Examples

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 1

A square has a side length of 8 meters. What is its perimeter?

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The perimeter is 32 meters. 

Explanation

Formula for finding the perimeter = 4 × side

Substitute the measurements, 4 × 8 = 32 

Thus, the perimeter is 32 meters.

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

A square field has a perimeter of 40 meters. What is the length of one side?

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The side length is 10 meters.

Explanation

Formula of perimeter = 4 × side

Side = Perimeter  

40 ÷ 4 = 10

Thus, each side is 10 meters long.

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

A square picture frame has a side of 12 cm. How much material is needed to cover its perimeter?

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The material needed is 48 cm.

Explanation

Perimeter = 4 × side

Substitution 4 × 12 = 48

Thus, the total material required is 48 cm.

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FAQs on Perimeter of Square

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

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2.Why is the perimeter of a square calculated by multiplying the side length by 4?

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3.If the perimeter of a square is 36 cm, what is the length of one side?

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4.Can the perimeter of a square be negative?

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5.What unit is used to measure the perimeter of a square?

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Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries for Perimeter of Square

  • Perimeter: The perimeter is the total distance around the boundary of a shape, calculated by adding the lengths of all its sides.

 

  • Square: A square is a four-sided shape with equal sides and all angles measuring 90 degrees.

 

  • Side Length: The side length is the measurement of one side of a shape, such as a square.
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