What is the Difference Between Area and Perimeter?

The main difference between area and perimeter lies in what they represent for a given shape. Here are the key differences:

• Area:
• Represents the space occupied by a shape or an object, specifically in a two-dimensional plane.
• Measured in square units (e.g., square meters, square centimeters).
• For example, the area of a square with side lengths of 3 meters is calculated as 3 meters × 3 meters, or 9 square meters.
• Perimeter:
• Represents the length of the outer boundary of a shape or an object.
• Measured in linear units (e.g., meters, centimeters).
• For example, the perimeter of the same square with side lengths of 3 meters is calculated as 3 meters + 3 meters + 3 meters + 3 meters, or 12 meters.

In summary, the area represents the space inside a shape, while the perimeter represents the distance around the shape. Shapes with the same area can have different perimeters, and shapes with the same perimeter can have different areas.

Comparative Table: Area vs Perimeter

The difference between area and perimeter can be confusing, but they are essential concepts in geometry. Here is a table outlining the key differences between area and perimeter:

In summary, area is the region occupied by a closed shape in a two-dimensional plane and is measured in square units, while perimeter is the length of the outer boundary of a closed shape and is measured in linear units.