Identify the shape
Write the correct area formula
Measure the needed dimensions
Use the same units
Substitute the measurements into the formula
Calculate the result
Write the answer in square units
Rectangle: Area = length × width
Square: Area = side × side
Triangle: Area = 1/2 × base × height
Circle: Area = π × radius²
Parallelogram: Area = base × height
Trapezoid: Area = 1/2 × (base 1 + base 2) × height