Three Perimeter of Composite Shapes Worksheets for 3rd Grade

Once your students can successfully calculate the perimeter of shapes such as rectangles, squares and triangles, it’s time to move on to more complex shapes. Complex shapes are made up of a combination of two or more shapes and often involve more detailed calculations when it comes to working out their perimeter.

This set of three differentiated worksheets has been designed by our expert teacher team to help your students practice this key measurement skill. The worksheets contain a variety of different activities, such as:

• Find the perimeter of each shape.
• Find the length of the missing side for each shape.
• Draw a shape that matches the given attributes.

The resource download includes:

• 3 x differentiated perimeter of composite shapes worksheets
• Answer keys

The worksheets can be downloaded as an easy-print PDF or an editable Google Slides file. Students can complete the worksheets independently, in pairs, or during small group time with the teacher. Different groups can be assigned different pages, or students can complete all three (depending on their level of confidence with the content).

Differentiating These Perimeter of Composite Shapes Worksheets

Being teachers ourselves, the experienced team at Teach Starter understands the challenge of catering to the diverse needs of your learners. In order to make this task just a little easier, we’ve provided three different versions of these perimeter of composite shapes worksheets. The complexity of the shapes increases with each worksheet, meaning that the calculations required to find the perimeter are more involved.

To make it easier for teachers to identify the three differentiated versions (but not so obvious to the students!), a star system has been used. The easiest version of the worksheet has one star in the top right corner of the worksheet, with the number of stars increasing in accordance with the worksheet’s level of complexity.

Download These Worksheets on Perimeter

Use the Download button above to select your preferred file option. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

For sustainability purposes, please consider printing these worksheets double-sided.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Resources on Composite Shapes

If you’re looking for more handy resources to use when teaching perimeter of composite shapes to your students, look no further! We have a great selection of worksheets, games and activities at your fingertips!

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Perimeter Escape Room – The Mysterious Missing Cupcakes

Have your supersleuth students solve this perimeter escape room to find out who stole the missing cupcakes!

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Perimeter of Composite Shapes Task Cards

Have your students find the perimeter of composite shapes with this set of task cards perfect for math centers.

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Perimeter of Composite Shapes Maze

Use this perimeter maze when teaching your students how to calculate the perimeter of composite shapes.