Surface Area of Rectangular Prism Calculator

Surface Area of a Rectangular Prism

A rectangular prism (box shape) has six rectangular faces. The total surface area is the sum of all face areas.

$$A = 2(lw + lh + wh)$$

Here $l$ is length, $w$ is width, and $h$ is height. The term $2lw$ covers the top and bottom bases, while $2lh + 2wh$ is the lateral (side) surface area.

Example

A pool 8 ft long, 6 ft wide, and 5 ft deep has:

$$A = 2(8 \times 6 + 8 \times 5 + 6 \times 5) = 2(48 + 40 + 30) = 236 \text{ ft}^2$$

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lateral surface area of a rectangular prism?

Lateral surface area is the four side faces only: $A_l = 2lh + 2wh$. It excludes the top and bottom bases.

How do I find surface area from volume?

Volume alone does not determine surface area. You need at least two of the three dimensions (length, width, height) to compute surface area.

What is the surface area of a cube with side 4?

A cube is a special rectangular prism where $l = w = h = 4$. Surface area is $6 \times 4^2 = 96$ square units.

How is this different from a rectangular pyramid?

A rectangular prism has two parallel rectangular bases and four rectangular lateral faces. A pyramid has one rectangular base and four triangular lateral faces.

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Surface Area of Rectangular Prism Calculator

Surface Area of a Rectangular Prism

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