Home
Contact
About
Subject index
Word index
Feedback
data-ad-format="horizontal">



 
Rectangle
From Latin: rectus "right" + angle
A 4-sided polygon where all interior angles are 90°
Try this Drag the orange dots on each vertex to reshape the rectangle.

The rectangle, like the square, is one of the most commonly known quadrilaterals. It is defined as having all four interior angles 90° (right angles).

Properties of a rectangle

  • Opposite sides are parallel and congruent Adjust the rectangle above and satisfy yourself that this is so.
  • The diagonals bisect each other
  • The diagonals are congruent

Calculator

ENTER THE TWO SIDE LENGTHS
Side 1 clear
Side 2 clear
Area:
 
  
Perimeter:
 
  
Diagonal:
 
  
   
 

Use the calculator on the right to calculate the properties of a rectangle.

Enter the two side lengths and the rest will be calculated. For example, enter the two side lengths. The area, perimeter and diagonal lengths will be found.

Other ways to think about rectangles

A rectangle can be thought about in other ways:

  • A square is a special case of a rectangle where all four sides are the same length. Adjust the rectangle above to create a square.
  • It is also a special case of a parallelogram but with extra limitation that the angles are fixed at 90°. See Parallelogram definition and adjust the parallelogram to create a rectangle.

Coordinate Geometry

In coordinate geometry, a rectangle has all the same properties described here, but also, the coordinates of its vertices (corners) are known. See Rectangle (Coordinate Geometry) for more.

Other rectangle pages:

Area of a rectangle
Perimeter of a rectangle
Golden rectangle
Rectangle (Coordinate Geometry)

While you are here..

... I have a small favor to ask. Over the years we have used advertising to support the site so it can remain free for everyone. However, advertising revenue is falling and I have always hated the ads. So, would you go to Patreon and become a patron of the site? When we reach the goal I will remove all advertising from the site.

It only takes a minute and any amount would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for considering it!   – John Page

Become a patron of the site at   patreon.com/mathopenref

Other polygon topics

General

Types of polygon

Area of various polygon types

Perimeter of various polygon types

Angles associated with polygons

Named polygons

(C) 2011 Copyright Math Open Reference. All rights reserved