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Area and Perimeter: Tips and Tricks for Primary 3 Students to Excel

  • Writer: AGrader Learning Centre
    AGrader Learning Centre
  • May 29
  • 5 min read

Area and Perimeter

Understanding the area and perimeter of shapes is an essential milestone in every Primary 3 student’s mathematical journey. These concepts not only build a strong foundation for geometry in upper levels but also relate closely to real-life problem-solving situations. Whether figuring out how much wrapping paper is needed or how much fencing is required for a garden, mastering Primary 3 Maths area and perimeter is both practical and empowering.


In this article, we’ll explore effective tips, clear examples, and simple strategies to help Primary 3 students excel in area and perimeter, along with a breakdown of area and perimeter worksheets for Primary 3 and how to avoid common mistakes.


Table of Contents:



What Are Area and Perimeter?


Before diving into the tips, let’s first clarify what these two terms mean:


  • Area is the amount of space inside a geometrical shape. Think of it as the surface that a shape covers. It is measured in square units (like cm² or m²).

  • Perimeter is the total length of the boundary of a shape. It’s the distance all around a shape and is measured in units (like cm or m).


In simpler terms:


  • Area = what’s inside the shape

  • Perimeter = the outline of the shape


Why Are These Concepts Important in Real Life?


Understanding how to find the area and perimeter of a shape helps children apply maths in meaningful ways. For example:


  • When carpeting a floor, we use the area of a rectangle.

  • To put a fence around a garden, we use the perimeter of the shape.

  • Wrapping gifts? Knowing the area of the square helps estimate how much wrapping paper is needed.


In Primary 3, students work mainly with 2-dimensional shapes like squares and rectangles—making it an ideal time to grasp these essential skills through practical and visual learning.


What Are Area and Perimeter

Area and Perimeter Formulas Every P3 Student Should Know


Here are the core formulas for area and perimeter students need to master:


1. Area and Perimeter of a Rectangle


Area and Perimeter of a Rectangle

2. Area and Perimeter of a Square


Area and Perimeter of a Square

These basic formulas form the backbone of calculating the area and finding the perimeter of simple shapes.


Finding the area of shapes in square units


Using grid paper or drawing shapes in square units helps children count area more intuitively. Each square on the grid represents 1 unit². For example, if a shape covers 20 squares, the area is 20 cm².


Finding the area of shapes in square units

Finding perimeter of shapes in square units


Find the perimeter of the figure below.



Finding perimeter of shapes in square units

Solutions:


Tip: 

  • Be systematic when counting the sides.

  • Start counting from one side and move in the clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.

  • Mark your sides as you count along.


Be systematic when counting the sides

Difference between finding the area and perimeter of a few squares/rectangles combined together

Difference between finding the area and perimeter of a few squares/rectangles combined together



Find the:


(a) area of the figure.

(b) perimeter of the figure.


perimeter of the figure.

Solutions:


(a) Area of 1 rectangle → 8 cm × 2 cm = 16 cm2

     Area of 4 rectangles →16 cm2 × 4 = 64 cm2


    The area of the figure is 64 cm2.


(b) Common mistake: Taking 1 perimeter of a rectangle and multiplying it by 4.

     However, this is wrong because the perimeter is only the outline.


       8 × 8 cm = 64 cm

       2 × 2 cm = 4 cm

       64 cm + 4 cm = 68 cm

       The perimeter of the figure is 68 cm.


The perimeter of the figure is 68 cm

Practice Makes Perfect: Use Area and Perimeter Worksheets


Reinforce learning through area and perimeter worksheets. These provide visual exercises and word problems that mirror exam-style questions. Include a mix of:


  • Basic shape calculations (squares and rectangles)

  • Composite shapes using smaller rectangles or squares

  • Real-life problems (e.g., measuring room floors, garden fencing)


Recap: Key Takeaways for Primary 3 Success


  • Area is measured in square units, calculated using length × width.

  • Perimeter is the total length around the shape.

  • Always mark and measure the correct sides.

  • Formulas for the area and perimeter of a square or rectangle must be memorised and understood.

  • Use Grade 3 area and perimeter worksheets to reinforce learning through practice.

  • Apply concepts to real life to keep learning relevant and fun.


Mastering the concepts of area and perimeter of shapes helps Primary 3 students excel not just in their exams, but in understanding the world around them.


Through consistent practice, clear formulas, visual tools, and real-world applications, children can confidently tackle questions like how to find the area and perimeter of a shape or compute the area of a rectangle without hesitation.

Encourage them to explore the world mathematically—one length and width at a time!


At AGrader, we don’t just teach maths—we build confident problem solvers. What makes our Primary Math Tuition Programme truly stand out is our holistic, ahead-of-the-curve approach that goes beyond just keeping up with schoolwork.

Each weekly lesson is thoughtfully designed to align with the latest MOE syllabus, helping your child stay in sync with what’s taught in school—while also giving them the boost to stay one step ahead. From Primary 1 to PSLE, our passionate and experienced educators guide students through carefully structured lessons using premium, in-house crafted worksheets that simplify complex concepts and sharpen essential skills.


Use Area and Perimeter Worksheets

But the learning doesn’t stop there. Every AGrader student enjoys free access to our EverLoop Improvement System—a powerful revision tool packed with curated materials from up to three previous levels. That means a P6 student can revisit key topics from P5, P4, and even P3—solidifying their foundation and ensuring deep, long-term understanding.


With AGrader, your child doesn’t just keep up—they grow, improve, and gain the confidence to excel in every topic. Ready to see your child thrive? Get in touch today and find the perfect programme tailored to their learning needs.


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