Perimeter of a Parallelogram: Properties, Formula & Examples

Arpita Srivastava logo

Arpita Srivastava

Content Writer

Perimeter of a parallelogram is equivalent to the sum of all sides of the parallelogram. It is a type of quadrilateral that has four sides. When the opposite sides of a quadrilateral are parallel and of equal length, it is termed as parallelogram. 

  • Perimeter of a parallelogram is the distance covered along the boundary.
  • The perimeter is calculated when sides and diagonals are known.
  • The opposite angles of the figure are equal.
  • Diagonals bisect each other at 90 degrees.
  • Θ is the angle formed at the vertex of the parallelogram.
  • There is no line of symmetry in the case of the given figure.
  • The rhombus, rectangle, and square are all examples of parallelograms.
  • Perimeter of a parallelogram is equal to the perimeter of a rectangle.

Read More: Area of Parallelogram

Key Terms: Perimeter of a Parallelogram, Parallelogram, Rectangle, Rhombus, Square, Sides, Diagonals, Quadrilateral, Height


Perimeter of a Parallelogram

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

The perimeter of a parallelogram is equal to the sum of all its sides since it is the length of its outline. Parallelogram is a type of quadrilateral, which has four sides. 

  • The pair of opposite sides are parallel and equal to each other in a parallelogram. 
  • The length, width and height measure the area and perimeter of the parallelogram.

The perimeter of a parallelogram is calculated in the following cases:

  • When two adjacent sides are known.
  • When one side and diagonals are known.
  • When the height, base and any angle are given.

Perimeter of a Parallelogram

Perimeter of a Parallelogram

Read More: Difference between Square and Rhombus


How to find Perimeter of a Parallelogrm?

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

There are three cases available to calculate the perimeter of a parallelogram which are discussed in below section:

Perimeter of a Parallelogram when sides are given

In case of a parallelogram, opposite sides are equal. Let’s consider a parallelogram with two adjacent sides named a and b.Then Perimeter of parallelogram is a+b+c+d or 2a + 2b= 2(a+b). Therefore, P = 2(a+b).

P = 2(a+b)
Perimeter of a Parallelogram

Read More: 

Perimeter of a Parallelogram when one side and diagonals are given

Let us consider a parallelogram with sides a & b and diagonals y & x. Now apply the law of cosines rule in triangle ABD,

  • x2 = a2 + b2 – 2ab.cos ∠BAD ---(1)
  • Also apply cosine rule in triangle ADC,
  • y2 = a2 + b2 – 2ab.cos ∠ADC ---(2)
  • Now, By adding equation 1 and 2 then we get;
  • x2 + y2 = 2a2 + 2b2 – 2ab (cos ∠BAD + cos ∠ADC ) ---(3)
  • We know that the two adjacent angles of Parallelogram are 180o.
  • So, ∠BAD + ∠ADC = 180o
  • ∠BAD = 1800 - ∠ADC
  • By applying cos on both sides
  • Cos ∠BAD = cos (180o - ∠ADC)
  • Cos ∠BAD = - cos ∠ADC ---(4)
  • Now, put equation number 4 in equation 3, we get
  • x2 + y2 = 2a2 + 2b2 – 2ab (- cos ∠ADC + cos ∠ADC) 
  • x2 + y2 = 2a2 + 2b2 – 2ab(0)
  • x2 + y2 = 2a2 + 2b2
  • For length ‘b’
  • 2b2 = x2 + y2 - 2a2
  • b2 = (x2 + y2 – 2a2) /2 
  • b = √ [(x2 + y2 – 2a2) /2 ]
  • Now the formula for perimeter (P)is:
  • P = 2a +2b
  • P = 2a + 2 √ [(x+ y2 – 2a2) /2 ]
  • P = 2a + √ [(x2 + y2 – 2a2)

P = 2a + √ [(2x2 +2y2 – 4a2)

P = 2a + ? [(2x2 +2y2 – 4a2)
Perimeter of a Parallelogram

Perimeter of a Parallelogram when the height, base and angle are given

Let consider the parallelogram with one of the sides a and its corresponding to height ‘h’ and with vertex angle θ. Assume the unknown sides of parallelogram be ‘b’.

  • By applying sin rule in triangle BEC,
  • Sin θ = h/b
  •  b= h/ sin θ
  • therefore, the perimeter of parallelogram is:
  • P = 2a + 2b

P = 2a + 2h/ sin θ

P = 2a + 2h/ sin ?
Perimeter of a Parallelogram

Read More: Perimeter of a Trapezoid


Perimeter of a Parallelogram Formula

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

There are different formulas to calculate the perimeter of a parallelogram using different components. Let a and b be the two sides of the parallelogram. Θ is the angle formed between the vertex of parallelogram and h is the height of the parallelogram.

  • Perimeter of a Parallelogram when sides are given

P = 2(a+b)

Read More:Surface Area and Volumes

Solved Example for Perimeter of a Parallelogram when sides are given

Example: Find the perimeter of a parallelogram whose adjacent sides are 9 units and 9 units.

Solution: The adjacent sides of the given parallelogram are, a = 9 units and b = 9 units. Then its perimeter (P) is,

P = 2 (a + b)

P = 2 (9 + 9) = 2 (18) = 36 units.

  • Perimeter of a Parallelogram when one side and diagonals are given

P = 2a + √ [(2x2 +2y2 – 4a2)

Read More: Triangle Theorems 

Solved Example for Perimeter of a Parallelogram when one side and diagonals are given

Example:  Find the perimeter of a parallelogram when one of its sides is 6 units and diagonals are 8 units and 10 units.

Solution: Using the formula when a side and diagonals of a parallelogram are given, we P = 2a + √(2x2 + 2y2 - 4a2). Here a = 7, x = 8, y = 10. Substituting these values into the formula, we have

P = 2a + √(2x2 + 2y2 - 4a2)

= 2 × 6 + √(2(8)2 + 2(10)2 - 4(7)2)

= 12 + √(2 × 64 + 2 × 100 - 4 × 49)

= 12 + √(128 + 200 - 196)

= 12 + √(132)

= 12 + 11.49

= 23.49

  • Perimeter of a Parallelogram when the height, base and angle are given

P = 2a + 2h/ sin θ

Solved Example for Perimeter of a Parallelogram when the height, base and angle are given

Example: What is the perimeter of a parallelogram where one of its sides is 20 yards, its corresponding height is 20 yards, and one of the vertex angles is 30 degrees?

Solution:

One of the sides of the given parallelogram is, a = 20 yards.

Its height is h = 20 yards.

One vertex angle is, θ = 30°.

Its perimeter (P) is,

P = 2a + 2h / sin θ

P = 2(20) + (2 × 20) / (sin 30°) = 120 yards

Read More:


Things to Remember

  • The perimeter of a parallelogram is the sum of all lengths enclosed by the boundary.
  • A parallelogram is a four-sided polygon with two parallel sides that also has four edges.
  • If one of the angles in a parallelogram is a right angle, then all four angles must be right angles.
  • The perimeter of a parallelogram is also equivalent to the perimeter of a rectangle.
  • The length of the opposite sides of a parallelogram is the same because they are equal in length.

Read More: Areas of Parallelograms and Triangle


Sample Questions

Ques: Find the perimeter of a parallelogram whose length is 10 cm and breadth is 8 cm. (3 marks)

Ans: Given: length =10 cm & breadth = 8 cm

We also know that formula for perimeter of parallelogram;

 = 2 (l+ b)

= 2 (10+8)

= 2 (18)

= 36 cm.

Therefore, the perimeter of the parallelogram is 36 cm.

Ques: Find the perimeter of parallelogram which length is 50 cm and breadth is 40 cm. (3 marks)

Ans: Given: length = 50 cm & breadth = 40 cm

We know that the formula for perimeter of parallelogram;

 = 2 (l+ b)

= 2 (50+40)

= 2 (90)

= 180 cm

Therefore, Perimeter of the parallelogram is 180 cm.

Ques: What is the perimeter of parallelogram if length of side is 8 cm and diagonals are 10 and 12 cm. (3 marks)

Ans: Given: Side ‘a’ = 8 cm, Diagonals x= 10cm & y = 12 cm

By using the formula of perimeter of parallelogram when side and diagonal given the we get;

P = 2a + √ [(2x2 +2y2 – 4a2)

P = 2(8) + √ [(2(10)2 +2(12)2 – 4(8)2)

P = 31.2 cm

Therefore, Perimeter of the parallelogram is 31.2 cm.

Ques: On a graph, how do you find the perimeter of a parallelogram. (2 marks)

Ans: The perimeter of a parallelogram with adjacent sides 'a' and 'b' is also equal to 2a + 2b, as we know. To find the perimeter of a parallelogram on a graph, we use the distance formula to find the lengths of any two adjacent sides then use the formula 2a + 2b to find its perimeter.

Ques: Find is the perimeter of parallelogram when the height is 20 m and one of its sides is 15 meter & one vertex angle is 450. (3 marks)

Ans: Given; Side ‘a’ = 15 m, height ‘h’ = 20m and vertex angle = 450.

We know the formula of perimeter when side, angle and vertex is given,

P = 2a + 2h/ sin θ

P = 2(15) + 2(20)/ sin 45o

P = 86.56 m

Therefore the perimeter of parallelogram is 86.56 m.

Ques: What is the perimeter of parallelogram when sides are 33 m and 27 m. (3 marks)

Ans: Given: Sides of parallelogram ‘a’ =33 m & ’b’ = 27 m

We also know that the formula for perimeter of parallelogram;

 = 2 (a+ b)

= 2 (60)

= 2 (60)

= 120 m

Therefore, the perimeter of the parallelogram is 120 m.

Ques: What is the perimeter of a parallelogram whose length is 5 m and diagonals are 12 m and 10 m. (3 marks)

Ans: Given: length ‘a’ = 5 m, Diagonals x= 12 m & y = 10 m

By using the formula of perimeter of parallelogram when side and diagonal given;

P = 2a + √ [(2x2 +2y2 – 4a2)

P = 2(5) + √ [(2(12)2 +2(10)– 4(5)2)

P = 29.69 m

Therefore, the perimeter of parallelogram is 29.69 m.

Ques: Find the perimeter of parallelogram if the length is 44 m and breadth is 36 m. (3 marks)

Ans: Given: length =44 m & breadth = 36 m

By applying the formula for perimeter of parallelogram we get;

 = 2 (l+ b)

= 2 (44+36)

= 2 (80)

= 160 m

Therefore, the perimeter of the parallelogram is 160 m.

Ques: The length of parallelogram is 15 inches and the breadth is 9 inch then find the perimeter of parallelogram. (3 marks)

Ans: Given; length =15 in & breadth = 9 in.

By applying the formula for perimeter of parallelogram is;

 = 2 (l+ b)

= 2 (15+9)

= 2 (24)

= 48 in.

Therefore, the perimeter of the parallelogram is 48 inches.

Ques: Find the perimeter of a parallelogram whose length is 10 cm and breadth is 18 cm. (3 marks)

Ans: Given: length =10 cm & breadth = 18 cm

We also know that formula for perimeter of parallelogram;

 = 2 (l+ b)

= 2 (10+18)

= 2 (28)

= 56 cm.

Therefore, the perimeter of a parallelogram is 36 cm.

Ques: Find the perimeter of parallelogram which length is 150 cm and breadth is 140 cm. (3 marks)

Ans: Given: length = 150 cm & breadth = 140 cm

We know that the formula for perimeter of parallelogram;

 = 2 (l+ b)

= 2 (150+140)

= 2 (190)

= 380 cm

Therefore, Perimeter of a parallelogram is 380 cm.

Ques: The perimeter of a parallelogram is equal to 48 cm and one of its sides is 12 cm. Find the length of the other side. (3 marks)

Ans: Given: Perimeter (P) = 48 cm, and side, a = 12 cm. To find the length of the other side b of the parallelogram, we will use the formula of the perimeter of a parallelogram P = 2(a + b).

P = 2(a + b)

⇒ 48 = 2 (12 + b)

⇒ 12 + b = 48/2

⇒ b = 24 - 12

⇒ b = 12 cm

Ques What is the perimeter of a parallelogram when the height is 30cm, the vertex angle is 45°, and one of the sides is 12cm. (3 marks)

Ans: The perimeter of a parallelogram is given by:

  • P = 2a + 2h/sinθ
  • P = 2 × 12 + 2 × 30/sin45
  • P = 24 + 84.5
  • P = 24 + 84.5
  • P = 108.5 cm

Ques: Find is the perimeter of parallelogram when the height is 60 m and one of its sides is 20 meter & one vertex angle is 450. (3 marks)

Ans: Given; Side ‘a’ = 20 m, height ‘h’ = 60m and vertex angle = 450.

We know the formula of perimeter when side, angle and vertex is given,

P = 2a + 2h/ sin θ

P = 2(20) + 2(60)/ sin 45o

P = 209.01 m

Therefore the perimeter of parallelogram is 209.01 m.

Ques: What is the perimeter of parallelogram when sides are 30 m and 57 m. (3 marks)

Ans: Given: Sides of parallelogram ‘a’ =30 m & ’b’ = 57 m

We also know that the formula for perimeter of parallelogram;

 = 2 (a+ b)

= 2 (87)

= 174 m

Therefore, the perimeter of the parallelogram is 174 m.


Read Also:

CBSE X Related Questions

  • 1.
    The dimensions of a window are $156\text{ cm} \times 216\text{ cm}$. Arjun wants to put grill on the window creating complete squares of maximum size. Determine the side length of the square and hence find the number of squares formed.


      • 2.
        A chord of a circle, of radius 14 cm, subtends an angle of $60^\circ$ at the centre. Find the area of the smaller sector and perimeter of the smaller segment.


          • 3.
            Assertion (A) : The system of linear equations $3x - 5y + 7 = 0$ and $-6x + 10y + 14 = 0$ is inconsistent.
            Reason (R) : When two linear equations don't have unique solution, they always represent parallel lines.

              • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
              • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
              • Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
              • Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

            • 4.
              The value of p for which roots of the quadratic equation $x^2 - px + 6 = 0$ are rational, is

                • $1$
                • $-5$
                • $25$
                • $\sqrt{5}$

              • 5.
                In the given figure, point D divides the side BC of $\Delta ABC$ in the ratio $1 : 2$. Find length AD.


                  • 6.
                    If the zeroes of a polynomial p(x) are $-3$ and 8, then p(x) equals

                      • $x^2 + 5x - 4$
                      • $(x + 3) (-x + 8)$
                      • $a(x^2 + 5x - 24)$
                      • $x^2 - 24$

                    Comments


                    No Comments To Show