Identify the polygon’s shape
Measure the needed dimensions
Use the appropriate area formula
For a triangle: Area = 1/2 × base × height
For a rectangle: Area = length × width
For a square: Area = side × side
For a parallelogram: Area = base × height
For a trapezoid: Area = 1/2 × (base1 + base2) × height
For a regular polygon: Area = 1/2 × apothem × perimeter
For an irregular polygon: divide it into simpler shapes, find each area, then add them
Check that all measurements use the same units
Write the final answer in square units