Area of a Parallelogram Calculator
Calculate the area and perimeter of a parallelogram from its base and height. See also Area of Rectangle Calculator and Area of Rhombus Calculator.
How to Calculate the Area of a Parallelogram
A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides. To find its area, multiply the base by the perpendicular height. Unlike a rectangle, the height is not the same as the side length — it is the perpendicular distance between the base and the opposite side. If you also know the side length, you can calculate the perimeter as P = 2(base + side).
Parallelogram Area Formula
A = base × height
Perimeter = 2 × (base + side)
Example
Find the area of a parallelogram with base 10 and height 6:
A = base × height
A = 10 × 6
A = 60 square units
Parallelogram Area Reference Table
| Base | Height | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 6 |
| 4 | 3 | 12 |
| 5 | 4 | 20 |
| 6 | 4 | 24 |
| 8 | 5 | 40 |
| 10 | 6 | 60 |
| 12 | 8 | 96 |
| 15 | 10 | 150 |
| 20 | 12 | 240 |
| 25 | 15 | 375 |
| 50 | 30 | 1500 |
| 100 | 60 | 6000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a parallelogram and a rectangle?
A rectangle is a special parallelogram where all angles are 90°. In a general parallelogram, opposite angles are equal but not necessarily 90°. The area formula is the same: base × height.
Why is the height different from the side?
The height is the perpendicular distance between the base and the opposite side. In a slanted parallelogram, the side is longer than the height because it is at an angle. Only in a rectangle are the side and height equal.
Can I find the area using diagonals?
Yes, if you know both diagonals (d₁, d₂) and the angle θ between them: A = ½ × d₁ × d₂ × sin(θ). This is useful when the height is not directly measurable.
Is a rhombus a parallelogram?
Yes. A rhombus is a special parallelogram where all four sides are equal. Its area can be calculated as base × height or using its diagonals: A = ½ × d₁ × d₂.