Perimeter and Area Worksheets

What this tool does

Create printable perimeter and area worksheets. Choose a shape family (rectangle, square, triangle, compound, or mixed) and whether to ask for perimeter, area, or both. Every problem comes with a small diagram.

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Create Printable Perimeter and Area Worksheets with Labelled Diagrams

Generate free printable perimeter and area worksheets covering the four shape families children meet at primary level: rectangles, squares, triangles (with base and height given), and L-shaped compound figures made from two joined rectangles.

The generator produces A4 or US Letter PDFs with every problem drawn as a small labelled diagram next to its question. A matching answer key can be appended automatically.

This tool suits UK Year 3–Year 6 and US Grades 3–5, where the formulae P = 2(l + w), A = l × w and A = ½ × b × h are introduced and extended to compound shapes.

Why use this perimeter and area generator?

Perimeter and area are the first topics where learners must read a diagram and apply a formula, so varied practice is more useful than a single textbook page. Use it for:

learning the rectangle area and perimeter formulae
triangle area from base and height
compound-shape work in Year 5 and Year 6
SATs reasoning paper revision
Grade 4 and 5 Common Core area work

What you can customise

Shape family: Rectangle, Square, Triangle, Compound, or Mixed
Ask for: Perimeter, Area, or Both
Maximum side length (keeps diagrams proportional)
Problem count
Answer key on or off
Paper size: A4 or US Letter

Notes and limitations

Every problem is drawn as a small labelled diagram — no un-illustrated questions.
Compound shapes are L-shapes built from two rectangles with all side lengths labelled.
Triangle problems always give a base and a perpendicular height; no trigonometry is needed.
Side lengths are whole numbers, so perimeters and areas are integers.
Random mode means two exports at the same settings will differ.

Who these worksheets are for

Parents

Support classroom work on perimeter and area with fresh diagram-based questions at home.

Teachers

Print topic starters, homework, and revision sheets covering one shape family or a mixed set.

Homeschool families

Build up shape by shape, then mix once the core formulae are known.

Tutors

Target the compound-shape subtraction method — a classic SATs stumbling block.

Worksheet style options

Rectangle

Uses P = 2(l + w) and A = l × w. Both dimensions are printed on the diagram.

Square

Uses P = 4s and A = s². Side length printed once; learners must infer the others.

Triangle

Uses A = ½ × b × h. Base and perpendicular height are marked. Perimeter questions give all three sides.

Compound

L-shape built from two rectangles. All six side lengths are labelled so the learner can split the shape or subtract from a bounding rectangle.

Mixed

Samples evenly from the four above. Best once each has been taught.

How to use the tool

Choose a shape family.
Pick Perimeter, Area, or Both.
Set the maximum side length.
Choose the problem count.
Keep the answer key on for marking support.
Choose A4 or US Letter.
Click Generate Worksheet.
Preview, then download the PDF.

Worked example

With shape Rectangle and "Both", a question might show a rectangle labelled 8 cm by 5 cm. Perimeter is 2(8 + 5) = 26 cm; area is 8 × 5 = 40 cm². With shape Compound, an L-shape of outer box 10 m by 6 m with a 3 m by 2 m corner removed gives perimeter 10 + 6 + 7 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 32 m and area 10 × 6 − 3 × 2 = 54 m².

Methodology

For each problem, the engine picks side lengths as whole numbers within the chosen maximum, then renders a scaled diagram using the branded PDF helpers. Perimeter and area are computed from the same side lengths for the answer key, so the marked page is always consistent with the blank. Compound shapes are generated by subtracting a smaller rectangle from a corner of a larger one, and all six edges of the resulting L-shape are labelled.

Helpful preset ideas

Rectangle, Both — Year 3 introduction to perimeter and area
Triangle, Area — Year 5 formula practice
Compound, Both — Year 6 SATs revision
Mixed, Area — end-of-topic consolidation

Best ways to practise perimeter and area

Always write the units next to the answer — cm for perimeter, cm² for area.
For compound shapes, sketch the splitting line before calculating.
Check whether the question asks for perimeter or area — a common careless error.
Estimate the answer first, then compute — helps spot missed sides.

Designed for A4 and US Letter Printing

Perimeter and area worksheets print cleanly on both A4 and US Letter. Diagram scale is calibrated so shapes read clearly on either paper size. Print at 100% scale for correct proportions.

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FAQs

Quick answers

Are diagrams included?

Yes. Every problem prints with a clear shape diagram next to the question.

Can I focus on a single shape?

Yes. Pick rectangle, square, triangle, or compound to generate a worksheet with only that shape.

What is a compound shape?

A compound shape is made by joining two simpler shapes. The generator draws an L-shape from two rectangles.

Do I get an answer key?

Yes. Keep Include answer key on and the PDF appends a matching answers page.

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