Rectangle Area Calculator

Last updated: 2026-05-09

The Rectangle Area Calculator is a free online math calculator. Calculate the area, perimeter and diagonal of a rectangle. Get instant results with the detailed formula and step-by-step examples.
Inputs
Dimensions
Result
Enter values and press Calculate
Common Sizes — Click to Fill
Length (m) Width (m)
Triangulo 3m lado 2.0 m 1.2 m
Cuadrado 5m lado 3.5 m 2.1 m
Pentagono 6m lado 5.0 m 3.0 m
Hexagono 8m lado 7.5 m 4.5 m
Octogono 10m lado 12.5 m 7.5 m

What is rectangle area?

Rectangle area measures the flat surface a rectangle occupies, expressed in square units (m², cm², ft²…). It's one of the most widely used calculations in architecture, construction, interior design, and school geometry — because most rooms, floors, walls, and plots of land are rectangular.

Rectangle area formula

Area = length × width

For perimeter: Perimeter = 2 × (length + width)

Both dimensions must be in the same unit. If length is in meters and width in centimeters, convert to a common unit first.

Step-by-step example

You want to tile a living room 6.5 m long and 4.2 m wide.

  1. Area = 6.5 × 4.2 = 27.3 m²
  2. Add 10% for cuts and waste: 27.3 × 1.10 = 30 m² of tiles to buy
  3. Perimeter (for baseboard trim): 2 × (6.5 + 4.2) = 21.4 linear meters

Common practical uses

  • Flooring and tiling: Calculate how many square meters of hardwood, ceramic, or carpet you need.
  • Ceiling and wall paint: One liter of paint covers roughly 8–12 m²; divide the area by that figure to find how many liters to buy.
  • Gardens and land: Determine the amount of sod, decorative gravel, or topsoil needed.
  • Solar panel installation: Check if available roof area can accommodate the required number of panels.
  • Furniture layout: Verify whether a sofa, bed, or table fits in the available floor space.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Mixed units: Mixing meters and centimeters without converting gives results 100 times too large or small.
  • Diagonal vs. side: The rectangle's diagonal (√(a²+b²)) is always longer than its sides — don't use it as length or width.
  • Forgetting waste allowance: In construction, always add 5–10% to the calculated area for cuts and breakage.
  • Rooms with cutouts: Calculate the full rectangle area and subtract the area of any columns or recesses.

Written and reviewed by the CalcToWork editorial team. Last updated: 2026-05-09.