What Is the Meaning of Perimeter in Maths? (Easy Explanation for Kids) 

The perimeter of a shape is the sum of all its side lengths.
Imagine you have a fence around a yard — the total length of the fence is the perimeter.

👉 Perimeter = add all the sides together

Easy Examples for Kids

✍🏼 Example 1 — Perimeter of a Rectangle

If a rectangle has:

• Length = 6 cm

• Width = 4 cm
  
  

👉 Perimeter = 6 + 4 + 6 + 4 = 20 cm

✍🏼 Example 2 — Perimeter of a Square

All sides are equal.
If each side is 5 cm:

👉 Perimeter = 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20 cm

✍🏼 Example 3 — Perimeter in Real Life

Kids can find perimeter in:

• A classroom wall

• A garden

• A soccer field

• A picture frame
  
  

Perimeter helps measure boundaries, spaces, and distances around objects.

How to Teach Perimeter to Kids (Fun Tips)

• Use string to “walk around” shapes

• Trace shapes on paper and measure each side

• Use building blocks to outline shapes

• Ask children to calculate the “fence” around drawings
  
  

These activities help kids understand perimeter with movement and visuals.

Perimeter Formula Cheat Sheet

Perimeter of a Square

P = 4 × side

Perimeter of a Rectangle

P = 2 × (length + width)

Perimeter of Any Shape

P = add all the sides

Simple, practical, and perfect for beginners.

👉🏽Explore our Math Workbooks for Kids — fun, structured practice to boost confidence at home or in class!

Conclusion

The perimeter is just the total distance around a shape — like walking all the way around your house, your classroom, or your favorite playground!
When you measure each side and add them together, you become a shape detective, discovering how big things really are.

So next time you see a square, rectangle, or any shape…
👉 Try finding the perimeter!

It's fun, it's easy, and it helps you see the world with maths superpowers! 🧠✨

✨Every child can shine in maths — one simple concept at a time!✨