Count the tiles
Each planted unit square contributes one square unit of area.
Area & Perimeter Park
Arrange garden tiles and compare the planted area with the fence around their edges.
Grades 3–5 · Math
Your goal
Plant 4 square tiles with 8 units of total fence.
Reduced motion is on. The controls still update the scene.
0 square units of garden and 0 units of total fence.
Use the row and column controls with the plant button as a keyboard alternative. Total fence includes every edge around holes and separate gardens. Each tile is 1 square unit.
Related resources
Common mistakes to avoid
Study as flashcards
Related simulations
Related cheat sheets
Related infographics
Learn with Area & Perimeter Park
Area & Perimeter Park lets students plant square tiles and compare the space covered with the distance around its edges. Add or remove squares, try different arrangements, and watch area and perimeter change. Each planted square contributes one unit of area, while perimeter counts exposed edges. Elementary learners can investigate shapes with equal areas but different perimeters and notice how shared edges and gaps affect the boundary, building understanding before relying only on rectangle formulas.
What to look for
Follow exposed edges
The perimeter counts edges next to an empty space or outside the garden grid.
Rearrange a garden
Two gardens can use the same number of tiles and need different lengths of fence.
For teachers and curious learners
Distinguish area from perimeter using square tiles. Ask students to predict what will happen, change one setting, and explain what they observe. Learn gives a starting point. Practice and Challenge offer new goals with the same scene.
Tiles are unit squares. The displayed total fence includes exposed edges around holes and all disconnected patches.
Continue with Area Tiles & Perimeter Paths .