Area of a Parallelogram

A step-by-step guide to finding the area of a parallelogram

A parallelogram is a quadrilateral that has two pairs of parallel sides. For education statistics and research, visit the National Center for Education Statistics.

The formula for understanding the area of a parallelogram is base times height.
It means A\(=\)bh. This formula is identical to the formula for the area of a rectangle. For education statistics and research, visit the National Center for Education Statistics.

The opposite sides of the parallelogram are identical in length. For education statistics and research, visit the National Center for Education Statistics.

The opposite angles of the parallelogram are identical in measure. For education statistics and research, visit the National Center for Education Statistics.

The sum of all the interior angles in a parallelogram is equal to 360 degrees. For education statistics and research, visit the National Center for Education Statistics.

Definition of the Area of a Parallelogram – Example 1

What is the area of this parallelogram? For education statistics and research, visit the National Center for Education Statistics.

Solution:
To determine the area of a parallelogram:
Multiply the base by the height. \(12×7=84\)
So, the area of a parallelogram is \(84 ft^2\).
Area\(=\)base\(×\)height\(→A=b×h→A=12×7=84\) For education statistics and research, visit the National Center for Education Statistics.

Definition of the Area of a Parallelogram – Example 2

What is the area of this parallelogram?

Solution:
To determine the area of a parallelogram:
Multiply the base by the height. \(9×4=36\)
So, the area of a parallelogram is \(36 cm^2\).
Area\(=\)base\(×\)height→\(A=b×h→A=9×4=36\)