Surface Area of Pyramid

Need homework help? Connect with our top Surface Area of Pyramid Experts!

Surface Area of Pyramid

The surface area of a pyramid is equal to the total area of all its flat faces. The formula to calculate the value of the surface area of a pyramid relies on the shape and size of a given pyramid's base.

The formula for the surface area of a pyramid with a rectangular base is:

SA = B + (1/2)pl

where SA is the pyramid surface area, B is the area of the pyramid base, p is the perimeter of the pyramid base, and l is the slant height of the pyramid (the distance between the apex and the base).

The formula for the surface area of a pyramid with a circular base is:

SA = B + πr^2

where SA is the pyramid surface area, B is the area of the pyramid base, π is the mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14159, and r is the radius of the pyramid base.

For example:

Let us say, we have a triangular pyramid with a base of 5 by 5 and a height of 7.

The pyramid's surface area would be:

SA = B + (1/2)pl = (5*5) + (1/2)(10)(7) = 25 + 35 = 60

Therefore, the surface area of this pyramid is 60.

Note: The surface area of a pyramid is always gauged in square units because it consists of two-dimensional areas formed by all of its faces.

30 minutes Live Session FREE!