Area. The amount of space covered by a two-dimensional object; the amount of carpet you'd need to cover a floor would depend on the floor's area.
Perimeter. The distance around a two-dimensional object; the amount of fence you'd need to surround your yard equals the perimeter of your yard. (The perimeter of a circular object is called the circumference.
Volume. The amount of three-dimensional space inside an object; the amount of liquid inside a soda can represents the can's volume.
Surface area. Measures the amount of "skin" needed to cover a three-dimensional object, neglecting its thickness; the amount of siding you'd need to completely cover a house represents the surface area of that house's walls.
Description Formula Variables
Area of a rectangle A = l · w l = length, w = width
Perimeter of a rectangle P = 2(l + w) l = length, w = width
Area of a circle A = r2 r = radius of circle
Circumference of a circle C = 2r r = radius of circle
Volume of a rectangular solid V = l · w · h l = length, w = width, h = height
Volume of a cylinder V = r2h r = radius; h = height
Surface area of a cube SA = 6l2 l = length of side
