Perimeter Worksheet

How do you find the perimeter of an object? When calculating the perimeter, you determine the distance around the outside of a 2D shape. This can be done by adding up all the sides or using a formula in some cases. When determining the perimeter of a rectangle, the formula P = 2l + 2w can be used (l represents the length and w represents the width). 

What about cases where you don’t know the length of all of the sides? These problems involve multiple operations, such as adding the known side lengths together, subtracting the number from the perimeter and then dividing by 2. If your students have practised these types of problems in isolation, then this maths worksheet will be a great assessment tool to ensure they can solve various perimeter word problems.

With this worksheet, students will have the opportunity to practice solving 8 questions that involve standard perimeter problems and unknown side problems. Questions include:

The donut shop is 12 metres by 6 metres and the owner wants to purchase new LED light strips to line the top of each wall. How many metres of LEDs does he need to purchase to border the entire shop?

The length of the soccer field is 18 metres and has a perimeter of 60 metres. What is the width of the soccer field?

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy!  

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

In addition to independent student work time, use this worksheet as an activity for:

• Guided maths groups 
• Lesson wrap-up
• Fast finishers 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)

For students who need a bit of a challenge, consider assigning the alternate version of this resource:

Same Perimeter, Different Area Word Problems 

If there are students who need support, consider completing this worksheet in a 1-on-1 setting or in a small group setting. Additionally, work with students to draw a picture to solve each problem. There also are alternate versions of this resource where students can practice standard perimeter problems as well as unknown side perimeter problems.

🖨️ Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

To save paper, we suggest printing this 2-page worksheet double-sided.

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardstock and slipping it into a write and wipe sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker and then erase and reuse them. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks. 

Get more worksheets to have handy!

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This resource was created by Nicole Ellis, a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:  

teaching resource Perimeter and Area Poster A poster that explains and compares the concepts of perimeter and area. teaching resource Perimeter Worksheets Worksheets to help consolidate your students' understanding of perimeter. teaching resource Area and Perimeter Paddock Problems – Worksheets A set of differentiated area and perimeter worksheets.