Surface Area of Parallelogram
2026-02-28 11:34 Diff

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Last updated on August 30, 2025

A parallelogram is a 2-dimensional shape with opposite sides parallel and equal in length. The surface area of a parallelogram is the total area covered by its surface, which is simply its area. In this article, we will learn about the surface area of a parallelogram.

What is the Surface Area of a Parallelogram?

The surface area of a parallelogram is the total area occupied by its surface.

It is measured in square units. A parallelogram is a 2D shape formed by two pairs of parallel sides.

The opposite sides are equal in length, and the opposite angles are equal.

Parallelograms include special types like rectangles, rhombuses, and squares.

Surface Area of a Parallelogram Formula

The surface area of a parallelogram is calculated using its base and height.

Look at the parallelogram below to see its base(b) and height(h).

The formula for the area of a parallelogram is: Area = base × height (b × h)

Base and Height of a Parallelogram

The base of a parallelogram is any one of its sides, and the height is the perpendicular distance from the base to the opposite side.

The formula for the area of a parallelogram is given as:

Area = b × h Here, b is the base of the parallelogram. h is the height of the parallelogram.

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Properties of a Parallelogram

A parallelogram has several important properties:

1. Opposite sides are parallel and equal in length.

2. Opposite angles are equal.

3. Consecutive angles are supplementary (add up to 180 degrees).

4. The diagonals bisect each other.

These properties are useful in solving problems related to the area of a parallelogram.

Volume of a Parallelogram

Since a parallelogram is a 2-dimensional shape, it does not have volume. Volume is a concept applicable to 3-dimensional shapes. For a parallelogram, we focus on its area.

Confusion between Base and Height

Students sometimes mix up the base and height of a parallelogram. Always ensure the height is the perpendicular distance from the base to the opposite side, not the slanted side.

Problem 1

Given base = 8 cm, height = 5 cm. Use the formula: Area = base × height = 8 × 5 = 40 cm²

Okay, lets begin

Find the area of a parallelogram with base 12 cm and height 7 cm.

Explanation

Area = 84 cm²

Well explained 👍

Problem 2

Use the formula: Area = base × height = 12 × 7 = 84 cm²

Okay, lets begin

A parallelogram has a base of 10 cm and a height of 6 cm. Find the area.

Explanation

Area = 60 cm²

Well explained 👍

Problem 3

Use the formula: Area = base × height = 10 × 6 = 60 cm²

Okay, lets begin

Find the area of a parallelogram with base 15 cm and height 3 cm.

Explanation

Area = 45 cm²

Well explained 👍

Problem 4

Area = base × height = 15 × 3 = 45 cm²

Okay, lets begin

The height of a parallelogram is 8 cm, and its area is 64 cm². Find the base.

Well explained 👍

It is the total area that covers the surface of the parallelogram, calculated as base × height.

1.What are the properties of a parallelogram?

A parallelogram has opposite sides that are parallel and equal, opposite angles that are equal, and diagonals that bisect each other.

2.What is the difference between base and height?

The base is any side of the parallelogram, while the height is the perpendicular distance from the base to the opposite side.

3.Can a parallelogram have volume?

No, a parallelogram is a 2-dimensional shape, so it does not have volume.

4.What unit is surface area measured in?

Surface area is always measured in square units like cm², m², or in².

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in the Surface Area of a Parallelogram

Students often make mistakes while calculating the area of a parallelogram, which leads to wrong answers. Below are some common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.

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Seyed Ali Fathima S

About the Author

Seyed Ali Fathima S a math expert with nearly 5 years of experience as a math teacher. From an engineer to a math teacher, shows her passion for math and teaching. She is a calculator queen, who loves tables and she turns tables to puzzles and songs.

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