Perimeter of a Square: Formula & Examples

A square is a shape with four equal sides (equilateral) and four equal angles (equiangular). It’s the only equilateral and equiangular quadrilateral. Here’s a quick guide to computing the perimeter of a square.

What is the Perimeter of a Square?

As previously discussed, perimeter is the total length of a closed shape. To find the perimeter of a square, add up all its four sides as expressed in the formula:

P = s+s+s+s or P = 4s
where: s = length of the square’s side

Example. Find the perimeter when given a length of 5m.
P = 4s
Let s be 5m     
P = 4 (5m)
P = 20m

The illustration below shows the formulas for the area and perimeter of a square:

Area and Perimeter of a Square

Want to learn more about finding the area of a square?
Related Reading: Area of a Square – Formula & Examples

Example #1: Compute the perimeter of a square with a length of 11 inches.

Example 1 Image

Solution for Example #1:

Substitute 11 inches for s in the perimeter formula, P = 4s.
P = 4(11 in)
P = 44 in
Therefore, the perimeter is 44in.

Example #2: Find the perimeter when given a length of 5.5 meters.

Example 2 Image

Solution for Example #2:

Substitute 5.5 meters for s in the perimeter formula, P = 4s.
P = 4(5.5 m)
P = 22 m
Therefore, the perimeter is 22m.

Thank you for reading. We hope it’s effective! Always feel free to revisit this page if you ever have any questions about the perimeter of a square.

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