Area, Surface Area and Volume
Reference Sheet
See also: Introduction to Geometry
The graphic on this page, is designed to be a quick reference for calculating the area, surface area and volume of common shapes.
For more information and examples of these calculations see our pages:
Calculating Area, Three-Dimensional Shapes and Calculating Volume.
Definitions
Apothem: The line connecting the centre of a regular polygon with one of its sides. The line is perpendicular (at a right angle) to the side.
Axis: A line of reference about which an object, point or line is drawn, rotated or measured. In a symmetrical shape, an axis is usually a line of symmetry.
Radius: The distance from the geometric centre of a curved shape to its circumference (edge).
Further Reading from Skills You Need
The Skills You Need Guide to Numeracy
This four-part guide takes you through the basics of numeracy from arithmetic to algebra, with stops in between at fractions, decimals, geometry and statistics.
Whether you want to brush up on your basics, or help your children with their learning, this is the book for you.