Perimeter vs. Circumference — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 19, 2023
Perimeter is the total length around a shape, while Circumference specifically refers to the distance around a circle.
Difference Between Perimeter and Circumference
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Key Differences
Perimeter and Circumference both measure the distance around shapes, but their applications are distinct. While Perimeter can apply to any closed two-dimensional shape like squares or polygons, Circumference is exclusively used for circles.
When discussing rectangles or triangles, one would talk about the Perimeter. In contrast, when referencing circles, the correct term would be Circumference. Both are measured in linear units, such as inches, feet, or meters.
The formula to find the Perimeter varies depending on the shape. For instance, for a rectangle, it's the sum of all sides. The Circumference of a circle, however, is always calculated using the formula C=2πr, where r is the radius.
To measure a garden's fencing needs, one would measure its Perimeter. But to determine the length around a circular pond, one would measure its Circumference. Both measurements help in evaluating the boundary lengths of respective shapes.
While both Perimeter and Circumference give the boundary length, their contexts make all the difference. Knowing the distinction ensures accurate communication, especially in mathematics and everyday scenarios.
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Comparison Chart
Application
Any closed two-dimensional shape
Only circles
Formula Variation
Depends on the shape
C=2πr
Contextual Use
Rectangles, triangles, polygons, etc.
Circles
Units
Measured in linear units
Also measured in linear units
Everyday Example
Measuring a garden's fencing
Determining the boundary of a circular pond
Compare with Definitions
Perimeter
The boundary length of an enclosed space.
We walked the Perimeter of the park to enjoy the scenic views.
Circumference
Boundary of a circular shape or object.
The rope was laid out marking the Circumference of the campsite.
Perimeter
Measurement used to determine fencing needs.
We calculated the Perimeter to know how much fencing to buy.
Circumference
Calculated using the formula C=2πr.
Using the radius, she quickly figured out the Circumference of the pie.
Perimeter
The continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometrical figure
The perimeter of a rectangle
Circumference
The distance around a circle.
The Circumference of the round table was 6 feet.
Perimeter
Total length around a two-dimensional shape.
The Perimeter of the square playground was 400 feet.
Circumference
Measurement uniquely associated with circles.
We used a string to measure the Circumference of the bicycle wheel.
Perimeter
The sum of the lengths of all sides of a figure.
We added the lengths of the four sides to get the Perimeter of the field.
Circumference
In geometry, the circumference (from Latin circumferens, meaning "carrying around") is the perimeter of a circle or ellipse. That is, the circumference would be the arc length of the circle, as if it were opened up and straightened out to a line segment.
Perimeter
A perimeter is either a path that encompasses/surrounds/outlines a shape (in two dimensions) or its length (one-dimensional). The perimeter of a circle or an ellipse is called its circumference.
Circumference
The enclosing boundary of a curved geometric figure, especially a circle.
Perimeter
An instrument for measuring the extent and characteristics of a person's field of vision.
Circumference
The boundary line of a circle.
Perimeter
A closed line bounding a plane area.
Circumference
The boundary line of an area or object.
Perimeter
The length of such a line.
Circumference
Abbr. c or circ. The length of such a line.
Perimeter
The outer limits of an area.
Circumference
The margin or area surrounding something.
Perimeter
A defended boundary protecting a military position.
Circumference
(geometry) The line that bounds a circle or other two-dimensional figure Category:en:Curves
Perimeter
(Basketball) The three-point line.
Circumference
(geometry) The length of such a line
Perimeter
(mathematics) The sum of the distance of all the lengths of the sides of an object.
Circumference
(obsolete) The surface of a round or spherical object
Perimeter
(mathematics) The length of such a boundary.
Circumference
(graph theory) The length of the longest cycle of a graph
Perimeter
The outer limits of an area. circumference
Circumference
To include in a circular space; to bound.
Perimeter
A fortified strip or boundary usually protecting a military position.
Circumference
The line that goes round or encompasses a circular figure; a periphery.
Perimeter
An instrument for determining the extent and shape of the field of vision.
Circumference
A circle; anything circular.
His ponderous shield . . .Behind him cast. The broad circumferenceHung on his shoulders like the moon.
Perimeter
The outer boundary of a body or figure, or the sum of all the sides.
Circumference
The external surface of a sphere, or of any orbicular body.
Perimeter
An instrument for determining the extent and shape of the field of vision.
Circumference
To include in a circular space; to bound.
Perimeter
The boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary
Circumference
The size of something as given by the distance around it
Perimeter
A line enclosing a plane areas
Circumference
The length of the closed curve of a circle
Perimeter
The size of something as given by the distance around it
Circumference
Linear distance ensuring a circle is complete.
The Circumference of the globe represented the long journey ahead.
Perimeter
Outermost lines forming a closed figure.
Children ran around the Perimeter of the schoolyard during recess.
Common Curiosities
Is the term Circumference only for circles?
Yes, Circumference specifically refers to circles.
Can I use Perimeter for a circle?
Technically no, for circles, the term is Circumference.
Is the formula for Circumference always C=2πr?
Yes, where r is the radius of the circle.
How do I calculate the Perimeter of a rectangle?
Add all four sides together.
Can Perimeter be used for complex shapes?
Yes, just sum up the lengths of all its outer sides.
Can both Perimeter and Circumference be zero?
No, unless the shape or circle has no size or dimension.
Which is longer, the Perimeter of a square with a side of 5 or the Circumference of a circle with a radius of 5?
The Circumference of the circle will be longer.
What unit should I use for Circumference?
Any linear unit like inches, feet, or meters, depending on context.
Do Perimeter and Circumference have the same units?
Yes, both are measured in linear units.
If a circle's diameter is 4 meters, what's its Circumference?
Use the formula: C=πd. So, it's approximately 12.57 meters.
Is there a shape where Perimeter and Circumference mean the same?
No, Perimeter applies to all shapes, while Circumference is circle-specific.
How do tools like "circumference tapes" work?
They wrap around the circular object to directly measure its Circumference.
Why is it important to distinguish between Perimeter and Circumference?
It ensures accurate communication, especially in math and everyday scenarios.
Do all circles of the same radius have the same Circumference?
Yes, the Circumference is directly related to the radius.
Can the Perimeter of a shape ever be less than one of its sides?
No, the Perimeter is always at least as long as its longest side.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
