Years 4–6 · Spatial and measurement reasoning

Shape Builder

Make a shape with the target area and inspect its perimeter.

Play Shape Builder

Round 1 of 3

Year

Mode

Challenge code Share the same four digits to get the same challenge.

Calm modeQuieter promptsNothing is timed either way.

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Take your time.

A 2 × 3 rectangle has area 6 squares and perimeter 10 unit edges.

Build another shape with the same area but a different perimeter.

Year rangeYears 4–6 (KS2)

Learning objectiveBuild rectilinear shapes on a square grid and distinguish area from perimeter.

DifficultyArea targets increase; later prompts ask for a particular perimeter as well.

Teaching notes and next steps

Useful prerequisite: Count squares and recognise horizontal and vertical edges.
Representation: A keyboard-operable 5 × 5 unit grid shows filled area and exposed perimeter edges.
Common misconception: Assuming shapes with the same area must have the same perimeter.
Transfer prompt: Build another shape with the same area but a different perimeter.
Adult next step: Ask the child to trace the outside boundary before counting its unit edges.

Reviewed 2026-08-14 by TheLearnDen Editorial Team. The activity does not ask for a name, email address, school, location or account.