Trapezoid Area Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the trapezoid area calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Area
area = (base1 + base2) / 2 * hMedian
median = (base1 + base2) / 2Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
base1 | Base 1 (a) | 10 |
base2 | Base 2 (b) | 6 |
h | Height | 4 |
How It Works
Trapezoid Area
Formula
Area = ((a + b) / 2) × h
Where a and b are the two parallel sides (bases) and h is the perpendicular height between them.
Median (Midsegment)
The median is the segment connecting the midpoints of the two non-parallel sides. Its length equals the average of the two bases: (a + b) / 2.
Worked Example
Trapezoid with bases 10 and 6, height 4.
- 01Area = ((10 + 6) / 2) × 4
- 02= 8 × 4
- 03= 32
- 04Median = (10 + 6) / 2 = 8
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trapezoid?
A trapezoid (or trapezium in British English) is a quadrilateral with exactly one pair of parallel sides, called the bases.
How do I find the height of a trapezoid?
The height is the perpendicular distance between the two parallel bases. If you know the area and both bases, h = 2A/(a+b).
What is an isosceles trapezoid?
An isosceles trapezoid has equal-length non-parallel sides (legs). Its base angles are equal and it has a line of symmetry.
Learn More
Guide
How to Calculate Area of Shapes - Complete Guide
Learn how to calculate the area of common shapes including rectangles, triangles, circles, trapezoids, parallelograms, and ellipses with formulas and examples.
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Open Trapezoid Area Calculator