Skip to content

Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Year 4 - Maths

Know that perimeter is measured in units of length and can be found by counting or measuring units

Perimeter

Unit Summary

In this unit pupil will learn perimeter as the distance around the edge of a 2D shape. They will learn perimeter is measured in units of length found by counting units and by calculating by adding the side lengths of a 2D shape.

Lesson Summary

You know that perimeter is measured in units of length and can be found by counting or measuring units.

Key Notes

  • Perimeter is measured in units of length.
  • Perimeter can be counted if shapes are presented on squared paper.
  • Perimeter can be measured using a ruler.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Perimeter: The distance around a two-dimensional shape.
  • Unit: The unit of one of something that defines the 'one' you are counting in.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may count a side twice, or miss a side, if they do not remember where their starting point was on the shape when counting the perimeter.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

Perimeter is measured in units of length. Perimeter can be counted if shapes are presented on squared paper.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Perimeter'

The distance around a two-dimensional shape. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Pupils may count a side twice, or miss a side, if they do not remember where their starting point was on the shape when counting the perimeter. Correction: Encourage pupils to mark a starting point, or use dots to mark the units they have counted.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 Maths guide library.