Triangle Area Calculator

Free triangle area calculator. Compute the area of a triangle from its base and height, or from three side lengths using Heron's formula. Runs entirely in your browser.

Choose a method and enter values above.

How triangle area calculator works

The area of a triangle is the space enclosed by its three sides. The simplest formula is area = (base × height) / 2, where the height is the perpendicular distance from the base to the opposite vertex. For a triangle with base 10 and height 6, the area is (10 × 6) / 2 = 30.

When you only know the three side lengths, the area follows from Heron's formula. First find the semi-perimeter s = (a + b + c) / 2, then area = √(s(s−a)(s−b)(s−c)). For sides 3, 4, and 5 the semi-perimeter is 6 and the area is √(6 × 3 × 2 × 1) = 6.

Pick a method, enter your values, and the tool validates the inputs (positive numbers, and for three sides the triangle inequality), then returns the area. The base-and-height method is the one taught in school; Heron's formula is the fallback when you cannot measure a height directly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate the area of a triangle?
The most common way is area = (base × height) / 2, where height is perpendicular to the base. For base 8 and height 5 the area is (8 × 5) / 2 = 20.
How do I find the area from three sides?
Use Heron's formula. Compute the semi-perimeter s = (a + b + c) / 2, then area = √(s(s−a)(s−b)(s−c)). For sides 3, 4, 5 the area is √(6 × 3 × 2 × 1) = 6.
Why does the triangle inequality matter?
Any two sides of a triangle must add to more than the third, otherwise no triangle exists. Sides 1, 2, 5 fail because 1 + 2 is less than 5, so the calculator reports an error.
What units should I use?
Use the same unit for every length you enter. The area comes back in that unit squared. For example, sides in centimetres give an area in square centimetres.