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Rectangles and L-shapes on squared paper: count the squares inside and the units around.
Area and perimeter are often confused because both describe the “size” of a shape. On a grid the difference becomes visible: area is the number of squares inside the shape, perimeter is the number of unit sides around its edge. These sheets show rectangles and L-shapes on squared paper. Children count before they learn the formulas, which gives the formulas real meaning later. They also discover a surprising fact: two shapes can have the same area and different perimeters.
Best for ages 8–11
Each square is one square unit and each side one unit, so children focus on counting, not on converting.
Rectangles and L- or T-shapes made of two rectangles, so there are never holes inside.
Area from about 8, perimeter from 8–9, and both together from 9–10.
Prefer practising on a tablet? Adaptive maths practice — offline, safe and free on Google Play.