Right Triangle Calculator

Calculate the hypotenuse, surface area, perimeter boundary, and side lengths of any right-angled triangle. Solve instantly by inputting any two values.

Right Triangle Calculator
Fill in two parameters and choose units to calculate the rest.
The horizontal leg adjacent to the right angle
cm
The vertical leg perpendicular to the base
cm
The longest side opposite to the right angle
cm
Total 2D space enclosed within the triangle
cm²
Total outer boundary border length
cm
Interactive VisualizationHover or tap dimensions to highlight
b: 12 cmh: 5 cmc: 13 cmA: 30 cm²P: 30 cm
Result: Triangle with legs of 12 cm and 5 cm has a Hypotenuse of 13.00 cm
Right Triangle Formulas & Calculations
How area, perimeter, and hypotenuse side are mathematically derived.

A right triangle is a triangle in which one angle is a right angle (90 degrees). The relation between the sides and other angles of the right triangle is the basis for trigonometry.

1. Pythagorean Theorem
c = √(a² + b²)

The square of the hypotenuse (c) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two legs (a and b).

2. Surface Area
Area = (a × b) / 2

Multiply the base and height legs together, then divide by 2. This represents the total flat 2D space inside.

3. Perimeter
Perimeter = a + b + c

Sum the lengths of the two legs and the hypotenuse. This represents the total outer boundary path.

Real-World Right Triangle Benchmarks
Compare the dimensions, hypotenuse, and area of familiar right triangular shapes.

Drafting Set Square (30-60-90)

Legs: 10.0 cm × 17.32 cm

Hypotenuse ≈ 20.0 cm | Area ≈ 86.6 cm²

US Letter Paper Sheet Diagonal

Legs (Width & Height): 8.5 in × 11.0 in

Hypotenuse (Diagonal) ≈ 13.9 in | Area ≈ 46.75 in²

Diagonal of a Standard Soccer Pitch

Legs: 105 m × 68 m

Hypotenuse (Diagonal) ≈ 125.1 m | Area ≈ 3,570 m²

Large Sailboat Mainsail (Example)

Legs (Foot & Luff): 15.0 ft × 36.0 ft

Hypotenuse (Leech) ≈ 39.0 ft | Area = 270.0 ft²

💡 Did you know? A right triangle with side ratios of exactly 3:4:5 is the oldest and most famous Pythagorean triple. Builders and carpenters still use the 3-4-5 rule today to ensure corners are perfectly square (90 degrees)!
Quick Right Triangle Presets
Choose common leg ratios to pre-fill the calculator.
Right Triangle Dimensions Reference Table
Reference mapping of side lengths to resulting hypotenuses, areas, and perimeters.
Base Leg (cm)Height Leg (cm)Hypotenuse (cm)Area (cm²)Perimeter (cm)
345612.000
512133030.000
815176040.000
724258456.000
20212921070.000
12353721084.000
9404118090.000
116061330132.000
Frequently Asked Questions