Count unit squares on graph paper to discover how we measure the area covered by any shape.
On graph paper, each small square is one unit of area. To find a shape's area, count the full squares it covers, and count two half-squares as one full square.
A shape covers 12 full squares and 4 half squares on graph paper. What is its approximate area?
12 + (4 ÷ 2) = 14 square units
A rectangle covers exactly 20 full squares. What is its area?
20 square units
Two shapes can look very different in outline but still cover the same area — or one irregular shape can cover more area than a neat-looking one.
Which covers more area: a shape covering 20 squares or one covering 15 squares?
The shape covering 20 squares
Two shapes each cover 18 squares. What can you say about their areas?
Their areas are equal, even if their shapes look different
1. A shape covers 8 full squares and 6 half squares. What is its approximate area?
2. A square covers exactly 16 full squares. What is its area?
3. Which covers less area: a shape covering 9 squares or one covering 14 squares?
4. A shape covers 10 full squares and 2 half squares. What is its approximate area?
5. If two differently-shaped figures both cover 25 squares, are their areas equal?