What this calculator does and when to use it
This calculator finds the area, perimeter, and a few supporting measurements for four common shapes: circles, triangles, rectangles, and regular polygons. Rather than memorizing a different formula for each shape, pick the one you're working with from the dropdown, fill in whatever dimensions it needs, and the calculator applies the correct geometric formula and returns the result immediately.
It's useful for homework and test prep, for quick real-world estimates like how much material covers a circular tabletop or a rectangular room, and for checking a triangle's validity before you build something around it — the triangle inequality check will tell you immediately if three given side lengths simply can't form a closed triangle.
The formulas
- Circle: Area = πr², Circumference = 2πr, Diameter = 2r, where r is the radius.
- Triangle (from three sides): uses Heron's formula. First find the semi-perimeter s = (a + b + c) ÷ 2, then Area = √[s(s−a)(s−b)(s−c)]. This works for any triangle as long as the three side lengths can actually form one (each side must be shorter than the sum of the other two).
- Rectangle: Area = length × width, Perimeter = 2 × (length + width), Diagonal = √(length² + width²) by the Pythagorean theorem.
- Regular polygon: Perimeter = n × side length, Area = (n × side²) ÷ (4 × tan(π÷n)), and Interior angle = ((n−2) × 180) ÷ n, where n is the number of sides.
Worked example
Take a triangle with sides 3, 4, and 5 units — a classic right triangle. Semi-perimeter s = (3 + 4 + 5) ÷ 2 = 6. Area = √[6 × (6−3) × (6−4) × (6−5)] = √[6 × 3 × 2 × 1] = √36 = 6.00 sq units. Perimeter = 3 + 4 + 5 = 12.00 units, and semi-perimeter = 6.00 units. Enter those three side lengths above and the calculator returns exactly these figures.
Common mistakes and how to interpret results
- Entering diameter instead of radius for a circle. The radius field expects the distance from center to edge, not all the way across — using diameter by mistake will overstate area by a factor of 4.
- Ignoring the triangle inequality. If a "no valid triangle" message appears, it means the largest side is longer than or equal to the sum of the other two — the shape can't physically close, so double-check your measurements.
- Confusing a rectangle's diagonal with its perimeter. The diagonal is a straight line corner-to-corner, useful for checking a frame is square, while perimeter is the total distance around the outside — they solve different problems.
- Using an irregular polygon's side/count with the regular-polygon formula. This mode assumes every side and every interior angle is equal; an irregular shape (uneven sides) will give a wrong area if forced into this formula.
Related calculators
- Area and Perimeter Calculator
- Arc Length Calculator
- Volume Calculator
- Angle Between Vectors Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the triangle calculator sometimes reject my three side lengths?
Does the regular polygon formula work for any number of sides?
Why is the rectangle's diagonal calculated with the Pythagorean theorem?
How much does rounding affect these results?
Common Tip Percentages
| Service | Typical Tip Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 15–20% | 20%+ for exceptional service |
| Food delivery | 10–20% | Consider extra for long distances |
| Taxi / rideshare | 10–20% | More for assistance with luggage |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5/night | Leave daily, not just at checkout |
| Barber / hair salon | 15–20% | On pre-discount total |
| Pizza delivery | 10–15% or $3–5 minimum | Higher in bad weather |
General Household Budget Ratios (50/30/20 Rule)
| Category | % of Net Income | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Needs | 50% | Rent, groceries, utilities, insurance |
| Wants | 30% | Dining out, entertainment, hobbies |
| Savings / Debt | 20% | Emergency fund, retirement, extra payments |
Common Measurement Conversions for Everyday Use
| Quantity | US / Imperial | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 8 fl oz | 237 mL |
| 1 pint | 16 fl oz | 473 mL |
| 1 quart | 32 fl oz | 946 mL |
| 1 gallon | 128 fl oz | 3.785 L |
| 1 lb | 16 oz | 453.6 g |
| 1 ft | 12 in | 30.48 cm |