ToolsDoc

Trapezoid Calculator

Area of a trapezoid from its two parallel sides and height.

Worth Knowing

A trapezoid's area is the average of its two parallel sides multiplied by the height, an intuitive formula once you picture it as a rectangle whose width is the midpoint average. This 'average the parallel sides' idea generalizes usefully — it's the basis of the trapezoidal rule for estimating the area under a curve in calculus. Only the perpendicular distance between the parallel sides counts as the height, not the length of the slanted sides.

How to Use

  1. Enter Base a into the first field of the Trapezoid Calculator.
  2. Fill in the rest: Base b, Height.
  3. Your result appears instantly as you type — there's no submit button or page reload.

Frequently Asked Questions