Area
The space inside a shape: count squares or use l × b. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.
Know it already? Jump straight to the quiz
Area
Area is the space inside a flat shape. Count the squares, or use a formula.
| Shape | Formula |
|---|---|
| square | s × s |
| rectangle | l × b |
| triangle | ½ × b × h |
The height of a triangle is the perpendicular height: the line from the top vertex that meets the base at 90°, not a slanted side.
Area units are square: cm², m². Don’t mix it up with perimeter.
On a grid
Count the whole squares, then match up the half squares: two halves = one whole. Example: a shape covers 8 whole squares and 4 half squares, so its area = 8 + 2 = 10 squares.
A right-angled triangle on a grid is half of the rectangle drawn on its two short sides. Any triangle with its base on one side of a rectangle and its top point on the opposite side is also half of that rectangle. Otherwise: count the whole squares and match up the part squares.
Comparing perimeter and area
The same area can have different perimeters. All three of these rectangles have an area of 16 cm²:
| Rectangle | Area | Perimeter |
|---|---|---|
| 4 cm × 4 cm | 16 cm² | 16 cm |
| 8 cm × 2 cm | 16 cm² | 20 cm |
| 16 cm × 1 cm | 16 cm² | 34 cm |
The square has the smallest perimeter for the same area.
Remember this and test yourself
- Area = space inside a shape.
- Area of a rectangle: l × b.
- Area units are square: cm².
- Area on a grid: two half squares = one whole.
Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.
Perimeter is the fence; area is the grass.
Important words
First say the answer yourself, then turn the card over.
Match column A to column B
Tap a word in column A, then its meaning in column B. You can also start in column B.
True or false?
Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.
Now the real quiz!
The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.
Take the quiz: Area- Let your child work the examples on paper and explain them to you.
- The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.
Follows CAPS for Grade 6 Mathematics. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.