Identify the solid’s shape
Find the perimeter of the base
Find the slant height or height, depending on the shape
Use the appropriate formula for lateral surface area
For a prism: lateral surface area = perimeter of base × height
For a pyramid: lateral surface area = 1/2 × perimeter of base × slant height
For a cylinder: lateral surface area = 2πrh
For a cone: lateral surface area = πrl
Substitute the known values into the formula
Compute the result and include square units