Perimeter Word Problems for 3rd and 4th Grade

How do you find the perimeter of an object? When calculating the perimeter, you determine the distance around the outside of a 2D shape. This can be done by adding up all the sides or, in some cases, using a formula. When determining the perimeter of a rectangle, the formula P = 2l + 2w can be used (where l represents the length and w represents the width). 

What about cases where you don’t know the length of all of the sides? These problems involve multiple operations, such as adding the known side lengths together, subtracting the number from the perimeter and then dividing by 2. 

If your students have practiced these types of problems in isolation, then this math worksheet will be a great assessment tool to ensure they can solve a variety of perimeter word problems. Students will have the opportunity to practice solving 8 questions that involve standard perimeter problems and unknown side problems. 

Example questions include:

The donut shop is 12 meters by 6 meters and the owner wants to purchase new LED light strips to line the top of each wall. How many meters of LEDs does he need to purchase to border the entire shop?

The length of the soccer field is 60 feet and has a perimeter of 200 feet. What is the width of the soccer field?

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy!  

Multiple Uses for This Perimeter Word Problems Worksheet

This perimeter word problems worksheet can be used in multiple different ways in your math lessons. In addition to independent student work time, use these perimeter word problems for:

• Guided maths groups 
• Lesson wrap-up
• Fast finishers 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)

Do you have students in your class who require more complex material? If so, you might like to consider assigning the alternate version of this resource: Same Perimeter, Different Area Word Problems. 

If there are students who need support, why work with these students to draw a picture to assist with solving each problem? A visual representation can be a great help when it comes to solving perimeter word problems.

Download These Perimeter Word Problems to Get Started!

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. You will be prompted to create a personal copy of the Google Slides file before accessing it. 

To save paper, we suggest printing this 2-page worksheet double-sided. Alternatively, you could project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks. 

This resource was created by Nicole Ellis, a teacher in New York and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

More Perimeter Word Problems for Your Students

Has this resource piqued your interest in our teacher-made, curriculum-aligned perimeter resources? Click below for more great time-saving options!

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Finding the Perimeter of a Rectangle Poster

Teach students the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle with this colorful classroom poster for your math bulletin board.

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Draw the Perimeter Worksheet

Get students to draw a figure with a given perimeter with this perimeter of rectangles worksheet.

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Interactive Perimeter Puzzle

Play this perimeter game with your class so they can practice calculating the perimeter of a variety of 2D shapes.