The perimeter of a square helps us measure the total length around its outer boundary. Since all four sides of a square are equal, the calculation becomes simple and direct. Whether you're solving a geometry problem, measuring a plot, or calculating fencing material, the perimeter formula plays a major role. It’s an essential concept for school-level maths, competitive exams, and real-life measurements.
Perimeter of a Square - Quick Overview
| Formula | Variables & Meaning | When It Is Used |
|---|---|---|
| P = 4 × side | side (a) = length of one side | To measure the total boundary length of a square |
What is the Perimeter of a Square in Maths?
The perimeter of a square is the total length around its boundary. Since a square has four equal sides, multiplying the length of one side by 4 gives the complete boundary length. The perimeter is always measured in units such as centimetres (cm), metres (m), or kilometres (km).
A square is a special type of quadrilateral where all sides are equal and all angles are right angles. Instead of adding all four sides individually, we use the quick formula P = 4 × side to calculate the perimeter. This makes the process fast, simple, and reliable.
This formula is widely used in real-life scenarios like fencing land, building boundary walls, designing photo frames, tiling edges, and construction planning. In competitive exams such as CUET, SSC, Banking, and JEE, perimeter questions help test basic geometry understanding. Remember: perimeter measures length, not area.
Examples to Calculate Perimeter of a Square
Example 1: Side = 15 cm
Step 1: Formula of perimeter = 4 × side
Step 2: P = 4 × 15
Step 3: P = 60 cm
So, the perimeter of the square is 60 cm.
Example 2: Side = 25 m
Step 1: Formula of perimeter = 4 × side
Step 2: P = 4 × 25
Step 3: P = 100 m
So, the perimeter of the square is 100 m.
FAQs about Perimeter of a Square Formula
Q1. What is the perimeter of a square?
It is the total length around the boundary of a square.
Q2. Which unit is used for perimeter?
Perimeter is measured in units like cm, m, or km (not square units).
Q3. How is perimeter different from area?
Perimeter measures the boundary length, while area measures the space inside.
Q4. Can we calculate the side from perimeter?
Yes, you can find the side using: side = perimeter ÷ 4.
Q5. Where is perimeter used in real life?
It is used in fencing, construction, layout design, and boundary planning.
Q6. Is the perimeter always larger than one side?
Yes, because the perimeter is the total of all four equal sides.