Triangle Calculator – Area, Perimeter & Angles
Calculate area, perimeter, and angles of a triangle given sides or dimensions.
How to Calculate Triangle Properties
A triangle is defined by three sides and three angles that always sum to 180 degrees. Given enough information (at least 3 values including one side), you can calculate all remaining properties using trigonometric laws.
The Law of Sines: a/sin(A) = b/sin(B) = c/sin(C). The Law of Cosines: c² = a² + b² − 2ab×cos(C). These two laws, combined with the 180-degree rule, solve virtually any triangle problem.
Triangle Area Formulas
Multiple formulas exist depending on what you know:
- Base × Height: A = ½ × b × h (most intuitive)
- Two sides + included angle: A = ½ × a × b × sin(C)
- Heron's formula (three sides): A = sqrt(s(s−a)(s−b)(s−c)) where s = (a+b+c)/2
Heron's formula is particularly useful when you know all three sides but no heights or angles.
Special Triangles
Equilateral: All sides equal, all angles 60 degrees. Area = (sqrt(3)/4) × side². Isosceles: Two equal sides, two equal base angles. Right triangle: One 90-degree angle, governed by the Pythagorean theorem (a² + b² = c²). 30-60-90 triangle: Sides in ratio 1 : sqrt(3) : 2. 45-45-90 triangle: Sides in ratio 1 : 1 : sqrt(2).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a missing angle?
Since all angles sum to 180 degrees, subtract the known angles from 180. If you know two sides and an angle, use the Law of Sines or Law of Cosines to find the remaining angles.
What is the Pythagorean theorem?
For right triangles only: a² + b² = c², where c is the hypotenuse (longest side, opposite the right angle). Example: a 3-4-5 triangle (3² + 4² = 9 + 16 = 25 = 5²).
Can a triangle have two right angles?
No. A triangle's angles must sum to exactly 180 degrees. Two right angles would use 180 degrees, leaving 0 for the third angle, which is impossible.