Surface Area

Start with shapes and nets

The resources on this page approach surface area through diagrams, formulas and questions. A useful starting point is the mind map on area and nets. It includes guidance on drawing a net, beginning with the base of a shape, and also covers area. Use it to think about how the faces of a shape fit together before moving on to calculations.

The flashcards on the cuboid continue that idea. They cover its net, lateral surface area and the area of its faces. They are a place to focus on one shape before looking at formulas for others.

Move from formulas to questions

Surface Area Formulae includes formulas for cylinders, cones, spheres and open and closed hemispheres. Surface area formulas covers shapes including cubes, cuboids, cylinders and triangular prisms. Compare the shapes in the decks and pay attention to which formula belongs with each one.

When you are ready to practice, Pre-Test on Surface Area has questions on a cylinder, a rectangular prism and a cube. Bonus quiz on Surface Area includes questions about a rectangular prism, a cereal box and a cylinder. The everyday object gives you another way to think about a shape you have seen in the formula resources.

Use maps and quizzes together

The Surface Area mind map covers nets, prisms, cylinders, composite shapes and Pythagoras. Another mind map sets out formulas for shapes including the cube, cuboid, cylinder, cone and sphere. After a quiz, return to a map or flashcard deck that covers the shape you found difficult, then work through the question again.

Place the topic in the unit

Surface Area is a section of the Perimeter, Area and Volume unit in Mathematics. The resources here offer a focused way to practice this part of the unit, from recognizing a net to working with formulas. Pick a resource and begin with the approach that suits you.