Perimeter · Grades 3–5
Perimeter Worksheets
Trace a finger all the way around the shape and add up what you cross. Printable perimeter worksheets for squares and rectangles.
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What it is
Perimeter is the total distance around the outside of a shape, the sum of all its side lengths.
Why it matters
Perimeter is an early measurement skill that builds spatial reasoning and sets up area, and it shows up in real tasks like fencing and framing.
How to do it
- Find the length of every side.
- Add all the side lengths together.
- For a rectangle use 2 × (length + width); for a square use 4 × side.
Examples by level
- BeginnerFind the perimeter =8 cm
- IntermediateFind the perimeter =12 cm
- AdvancedFind the perimeter =100 cm
Examples are generated by the same engine as the worksheets, so they're always mathematically correct. Built to avoid repeats, not reshuffle the same handful of questions.
Common mistakes
- Adding only two sides of a rectangle instead of all four.
- Confusing perimeter with area.
- Using square units (cm²) for a length.
Tips
- Perimeter is a length, so the unit is cm (not cm²).
- Opposite sides of a rectangle are equal.
For parents
Trace a finger all the way around the shape, perimeter is that whole trip.
For teachers
Contrast perimeter and area on the same rectangle so students keep the units straight.
Key vocabulary
- perimeter
- the distance around a shape
- side
- one edge of a shape
Frequently asked questions
- How do you find the perimeter of a rectangle?
- Add all four sides, or use 2 × (length + width).
- What unit is perimeter measured in?
- A length unit like cm or m, not square units.
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