Explore Perimeter with Missing Sides

Turn up the complexity level in your perimeter lessons with this set of perimeter practice problems that require students to calculate the missing side.

This two-page perimeter with missing sides worksheet contains eight different word problems. Students must use their knowledge of perimeter to calculate the missing side of the shape described.

For example: The perimeter of Mr Manwell’s shed is 6 metres. The length of the shed is 2 metres. What is the width?

Students are required to show their work. They will need to draw the shape, add the dimensions and then show the calculation required to arrive at the answer.

This perimeter worksheet with missing sides downloads as a quick-print PDF or an editable Google Slides file. Answers are also included in both downloads. 

Differentiate This Perimeter Worksheet with Missing Sides

Are you looking for ways to support the needs of all students while using these missing side perimeter worksheets? Here are a few suggestions:

• Highlight the Key Information – Some students can find word problems overwhelming if they do not know where to begin. Show these students how to highlight the key information in the problem, such as measurements. This will set them well on their way to success!
• Write Your Own – Challenge more-capable students to write additional word problems that involve perimeter with a missing side. Students can swap these with a partner to complete.

Download These Perimeter Practice Problems

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 this worksheet double-sided.

This resource was created by Nicole Ellis, a Teach Starter collaborator. 

More Resources on How to Find Perimeter

Has this resource piqued your interest in our perimeter activities? Click below for more teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources!

teaching resource Perimeter Worksheet Use these perimeter worksheets in your maths lessons when teaching your students how to apply various formulae to calculate the perimeter of shapes. teaching resource Perimeter and Area Poster A poster that explains and compares the concepts of perimeter and area. teaching resource Perimeter of 2D Shapes Poster Use this perimeter anchor chart to teach students how to find the perimeter of shapes such as squares, rectangles, triangles, hexagons and parallelograms.