Pythagorean Theorem Calculator

Find the hypotenuse of a right triangle from the two legs.

Hypotenuse c 5
Triangle area 6

Formula: c = sqrt(a^2 + b^2)

Step-by-step with your numbers:
1. ▶ Given: leg a = 3, leg b = 4
2.
3. ▶ Step 1 — Square leg a: a² = 3 × 3 = 9
4.
5. ▶ Step 2 — Square leg b: b² = 4 × 4 = 16
6.
7. ▶ Step 3 — Sum: a² + b² = 9 + 16 = 25
8.
9. ▶ Step 4 — Hypotenuse: c = √(25) = 5
10.
11. ▶ Step 5 — Area: ½ × 3 × 4 = 6
Did we solve your problem today?

For a right triangle, find the longest side (hypotenuse) from the two shorter sides.

The math behind it

a^2 + b^2 = c^2 so c = sqrt(a^2 + b^2).

Worked example

Legs 3 and 4 -> c = sqrt(9 + 16) = sqrt(25) = 5.

FAQ

How do I find a missing leg?

Rearrange: a = sqrt(c^2 - b^2).