Perimeter and area worksheets

Perimeter and area both describe a shape, but they answer different questions: perimeter measures the distance around the outside, while area measures the space inside. These worksheets pair every question with a labeled rectangle or square so students can connect the calculation to the diagram.

Choose perimeter, area, missing-side questions or mixed practice. Select rectangles, squares or both and use centimeters, meters, inches or feet. Every worksheet includes an optional answer key and can be reproduced from the same sheet number or shared URL.

Suggested progression

• Find the perimeter of rectangles by adding all four sides or doubling length plus width.
• Find the perimeter of squares by multiplying one side by four.
• Find rectangle area by multiplying length by width and label answers with square units.
• Find square area by multiplying the side length by itself.
• Use a known perimeter and one side length to determine a missing side.

Teaching tip: keep linear and square units distinct

Ask students to trace the boundary when finding perimeter and shade the interior when finding area. Perimeter answers use ordinary length units such as cm or ft. Area answers use square units such as cm² or ft². Before calculating, have learners identify whether the question is asking about the boundary or the space inside.

How to print this worksheet

1. Check the settings above. They are already set for perimeter and area.
2. Pick 10, 15, 20 or 30 problems, a title, and the name or date lines you want.
3. Choose US Letter or A4 to match the paper in your printer.
4. Press Download PDF for a file you can save and reuse, or Print to send it straight to your printer.
5. Keep the answer key page for yourself. The sheet number in the footer lets you make the exact same sheet again later.