The area of a rectangle tells us how much space lies inside its four sides. Since rectangles appear in everyday objects, such as walls, floors, books, fields, and screens, this formula is used everywhere. In maths and competitive exams, it is one of the simplest and most frequently used formulas because it requires only two values: length and breadth. Understanding this formula helps in solving practical and exam-based problems with speed and accuracy.
Formula for Calculating the Area of a Rectangle - Overview
| Formula | Variables & Meaning | When It Is Used |
|---|---|---|
| A = l × b | l = length, b = breadth | When both sides of a rectangle are given |
What is Area of a Rectangle in Maths?
In mathematics, the area of a rectangle is the total surface enclosed within its boundary. A rectangle has opposite sides equal and all angles equal to 90°, which makes its area calculation very simple. You only multiply its length (longer side) by its breadth (shorter side).
For example, if a rectangle has length 12 cm and breadth 5 cm, then:
Area = 12 × 5 = 60 cm²
This formula is widely used in real-life situations such as calculating land size, flooring area, painting walls, buying carpets, and designing objects. It is also a common topic in exams like CUET, SSC, Banking, and JEE, where questions are often direct and quick to solve.
Examples to Calculate Area of a Rectangle
Example 1: Length = 8 cm, Breadth = 6 cm
Step 1: Use the formula A = l × b
Step 2: A = 8 × 6
Step 3: A = 48 cm²
Final Answer: The area of the rectangle is 48 cm².
Example 2: Length = 15 m, Breadth = 10 m
Step 1: Use the formula A = l × b
Step 2: A = 15 × 10
Step 3: A = 150 m²
Final Answer: The area of the rectangle is 150 m².
FAQs About Area of a Rectangle Formula
Q1. What is the formula for the area of a rectangle?
The formula is A = length × breadth.
Q2. What unit is used for area?
Area is measured in square units like cm², m², or km².
Q3. Where do we use this formula in real life?
In construction, painting, flooring, farming, crafting, and measurement tasks.
Q4. Is the area formula same for a square?
Yes, but in a square length = breadth, so the formula becomes side².
Q5. Why is this formula important in exams?
Because it is a basic geometry concept used in CUET, SSC, Banking, JEE, and school-level exams.
Q6. Can we find area using only perimeter?
No, you need at least one side (length or breadth) to calculate area.