Math

Lateral Area of a Trapezoidal Prism Calculator

Find the lateral surface area of a trapezoidal prism.

Parallel side a

Parallel side b

Leg c

Leg d

Prism length

Calculated Output

Lateral area 160

Formula: lateral = (a + b + c + d) × length

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Values used:

2. Parallel side a = 4

3. Parallel side b = 6

4. Leg c = 3

5. Leg d = 3

6. Prism length = 10

8. Lateral area = 160

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The math behind it

Add the four sides of the trapezoid to get its perimeter, then multiply by the prism length. This excludes the two trapezoidal ends.

Trapezoid sides 4, 6, 3, 3 (perimeter 16), length 10 → 160.

Does this include the trapezoid ends?

No — lateral area is only the side faces; add 2× the trapezoid area for total surface.