Regular Polygon Perimeter
Find the perimeter of any regular polygon using P = n x s. Enter sides and side length for instant results. Free geometry calculator for students and teachers.
About This Calculator
Use this regular polygon perimeter calculator to quickly find the total distance around any regular polygon -- from equilateral triangles and squares to regular pentagons, hexagons, octagons, and beyond. A regular polygon is a shape where all sides have equal length and all interior angles are equal.
The perimeter is computed using the simple formula P = n x s, where n is the number of sides and s is the side length. This formula works because all sides of a regular polygon are equal, so the total distance around the shape is simply the side length multiplied by the number of sides. Whether you have a triangle (3 sides), a hexagon (6 sides), or a dodecagon (12 sides), the calculation remains the same straightforward multiplication.
Regional Notes: This calculator works with any unit system (metric or imperial). Enter lengths in meters, centimeters, inches, feet, or any unit, and the perimeter result is reported in the same corresponding linear unit. Geometry formulas are universal and do not vary by region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the formula for the perimeter of a regular polygon?
The perimeter of a regular polygon is P = n x s, where n is the number of sides and s is the side length. For example, a regular hexagon (6 sides) with side length 5 units has a perimeter of 6 x 5 = 30 units.
Can I use this calculator for any regular polygon?
Yes, this calculator works for any regular polygon with 3 or more sides, including equilateral triangles (3 sides), squares (4 sides), regular pentagons (5 sides), hexagons (6 sides), heptagons (7 sides), octagons (8 sides), nonagons (9 sides), decagons (10 sides), and any n-sided regular polygon.
What is the minimum number of sides allowed?
The minimum number of sides is 3, which forms an equilateral triangle. A polygon must have at least 3 sides to enclose a area, and a regular polygon requires all sides and angles to be equal.
What is the difference between perimeter and area of a polygon?
The perimeter is the total distance around the outside of the polygon, measured in linear units like meters or inches. The area is the space enclosed inside the polygon, measured in square units. For a regular polygon, perimeter = n x s while area = (n x s^2) / (4 x tan(pi/n)).
How does increasing the number of sides affect the perimeter?
For a fixed side length, the perimeter increases linearly with the number of sides: P = n x s. A decagon (10 sides) has twice the perimeter of a pentagon (5 sides) at the same side length. As n increases, the polygon approaches a circle in shape.
What units should I use for side length?
You can use any unit of length such as meters, centimeters, inches, feet, or yards. The perimeter result will be in the same linear unit. For example, side length in meters gives perimeter in meters; side length in inches gives perimeter in inches.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes, all calculators on Calculy are completely free to use. No registration, login, or payment is required. You can bookmark any calculation with shareable URLs that preserve your inputs.