11+ Area, Perimeter & Volume Online Tests

Perimeter is the distance around a shape, area is the space inside it, and volume is the space inside a solid. The 11+ tests all three, and it tests whether a child can keep them apart - confusing area with perimeter is one of the most frequent errors in the whole paper.

Beyond the basic rectangle formulae, expect compound shapes made from two or more rectangles, triangles, and cuboid volume. Harder papers give the area and ask for a missing side, which requires working backwards through the formula.

21 free Area, Perimeter & Volume tests

Timed and marked instantly, with an explanation for every question. No sign-up needed.

What these Area, Perimeter & Volume tests cover

Perimeter of rectangles, squares and compound shapes
Area of rectangles, squares and right-angled triangles
Area of compound shapes by splitting them into rectangles
Volume of cuboids
Finding a missing side when the area or perimeter is given
Choosing and writing the correct units, including squared and cubed units

Area, Perimeter & Volume: tips that earn marks

Area is measured in squared units and volume in cubed units. Writing cm instead of cm squared loses marks that the arithmetic had already earned.
For a compound shape, split it into rectangles, work out each area separately, then add. Draw the dividing line on the diagram.
The area of a triangle is base times height divided by 2. The height must be perpendicular to the base, not the sloping side.
To find a missing side from a given area, divide rather than multiply - it is the inverse of the formula you already know.

Questions parents ask about Area, Perimeter & Volume

What is the difference between area and perimeter?

Perimeter is the distance all the way around the edge, measured in ordinary units. Area is the space covered inside, measured in squared units. Two shapes can share a perimeter and have completely different areas.

Is the area of a circle needed for the 11+?

Usually not. Circle area and circumference are generally secondary school topics, though a few of the most demanding independent school papers touch on them.

How are compound shape questions marked?

Usually with method marks available, so showing the split and each separate area is worth doing even if the final total goes wrong.