Parallelogram Calculator

Enter base, height, and optional sides to calculate area and perimeter.

This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.

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How to Use the Parallelogram Calculator

Enter the base and height to calculate the area. Optionally enter side lengths for the perimeter.

  1. Enter the base. The length of the bottom side.
  2. Enter the height. The perpendicular distance between the parallel sides.
  3. Read results. Area = base x height. If side lengths are given, perimeter = 2(a + b).

About Parallelograms

A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides. Opposite sides are equal in length and opposite angles are equal. The area equals base times height (the perpendicular height, not the slant side). Rectangles, rhombuses, and squares are all special cases of parallelograms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the area formula for a parallelogram?

Area = base x height, where height is the perpendicular distance between the two parallel bases.

Is a rectangle a parallelogram?

Yes. A rectangle is a parallelogram where all angles are 90 degrees. A square is both a rectangle and a rhombus.

What is the difference between height and side length?

Height is the perpendicular distance between the parallel sides. The side length is the slant side, which is longer than or equal to the height.