Perimeter vs. Circumference: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
The perimeter is the total length of all sides of a flat shape, while circumference specifically refers to the distance around a circle.
Key Differences
Perimeter is a term used in geometry to describe the total length around a two-dimensional shape, such as a square or rectangle. In contrast, circumference is specifically used to refer to the distance around the edge of a circle.
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Nov 30, 2023
The concept of perimeter applies to any polygon, regardless of the number of sides, and can be used in various geometric calculations. Circumference, however, is a concept that only applies to circles and is a key element in circular geometry.
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Nov 30, 2023
The units used for measuring both perimeter and circumference are the same, generally linear units like meters or feet. However, the methods of measurement differ due to the distinct shapes involved.
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In practical applications, perimeter is often used to determine the boundary length of land plots or floor plans, while circumference is crucial in calculations involving wheels, circular tracks, or any circular objects.
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Comparison Chart
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Relevance in Geometry
Fundamental for all polygons
Specific to circular geometry
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Practical Use Examples
Measuring boundaries of land, floor plans
Measuring wheels, circular tracks
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Nov 30, 2023
Perimeter and Circumference Definitions
Perimeter
The perimeter of a polygon is the measurement of its outer line.
The perimeter of a square park is 400 meters.
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Circumference
The circumference of a circle is the total length around it.
The circumference of a wheel is 94.2 centimeters.
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Perimeter
The perimeter of a rectangle is equal to the sum of all four sides.
The perimeter of a 4m by 6m rectangle is 20 meters.
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Circumference
Circumference is the total length encircling a circle.
The pipe's circumference is crucial for fitting.
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Perimeter
Perimeter refers to the total length of a shape's sides.
To fence a triangular garden, measure its perimeter.
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Circumference
Circumference is the perimeter of a circle.
The circumference of this circular garden is 31.4 meters.
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Nov 30, 2023
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Perimeter
Perimeter is the total length of the boundary line of a shape.
The perimeter of our hexagonal plot is 72 feet.
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Circumference
The circumference measures the boundary of round objects.
The circumference of the pizza is 40 inches.
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Perimeter
Perimeter is the distance enclosing a shape.
The perimeter of the field is 250 meters, requiring that much fencing.
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Nov 30, 2023
Circumference
Circumference is the length of a circle's edge.
The circumference of a circular track is 400 meters.
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Nov 30, 2023
Circumference
(geometry) The line that bounds a circle or other two-dimensional figure Category:en:Curves
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Perimeter
(mathematics) The sum of the distance of all the lengths of the sides of an object.
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Perimeter
A fortified strip or boundary usually protecting a military position.
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Perimeter
An instrument for determining the extent and shape of the field of vision.
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Circumference
The line that goes round or encompasses a circular figure; a periphery.
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Perimeter
The outer boundary of a body or figure, or the sum of all the sides.
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Circumference
A circle; anything circular.
His ponderous shield . . .Behind him cast. The broad circumferenceHung on his shoulders like the moon.
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Perimeter
An instrument for determining the extent and shape of the field of vision.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How do you calculate the perimeter of a rectangle?
Add the lengths of all four sides.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can the perimeter be used for circles?
No, for circles, the term circumference is used.
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Is the circumference always related to circles?
Yes, it exclusively refers to the boundary of a circle.
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How is the circumference of a circle determined?
Use the formula C=2πr or C=πd.
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Can the perimeter be the same for different shapes?
Yes, different shapes can have the same perimeter.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is the circumference a type of perimeter?
It can be considered a specific case of a perimeter for circles.
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What units are used for measuring perimeter and circumference?
Linear units like meters, feet, or inches.
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Nov 30, 2023
How do you find the perimeter of an irregular shape?
Measure and sum the lengths of all its sides.
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Does circumference have practical uses?
Absolutely, in fields like engineering and design of circular objects.
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How does geometry use perimeter and circumference?
For calculations in shape analysis and spatial measurements.
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Why are perimeter and circumference important in math?
They are key concepts in understanding and calculating spatial properties.
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What shapes have both perimeter and circumference?
Only circles, where their circumference is their perimeter.
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Can a square and circle have the same perimeter/circumference?
Yes, if the total lengths of their boundaries are equal.
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Is perimeter important in real-life applications?
Yes, for tasks like fencing a yard or outlining a floor plan.
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What role does radius play in finding circumference?
The radius is essential for calculating circumference using 2πr.
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Are there any tools to measure perimeter and circumference?
Measuring tapes, rulers, and mathematical formulas are commonly used.
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Do perimeter and circumference have the same formulas?
No, they have different formulas based on the shape.
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Nov 30, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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