Area Formula:
From: | To: |
Definition: This calculator computes the area of an equilateral triangle (all sides equal, all angles 60°) based on side length.
Purpose: It helps students, engineers, and designers quickly determine the area of equilateral triangles for various applications.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula derives from the general triangle area formula (½ × base × height) with height expressed in terms of side length.
Details: Equilateral triangles appear in engineering structures, tiling patterns, and molecular geometry. Accurate area calculation is essential for material estimation and design.
Tips: Simply enter the side length in meters. The value must be positive.
Q1: Why is the formula different from regular triangles?
A: The √3/4 factor comes from the fixed height-to-side ratio (h = side × √3/2) in equilateral triangles.
Q2: Can I use this for other triangle types?
A: No, this formula only works for equilateral triangles. Use ½ × base × height for other triangles.
Q3: What units does this calculator use?
A: The default is meters, but any consistent unit can be used (cm, ft, etc.) as long as you interpret the area accordingly.
Q4: How precise is the calculation?
A: The calculator uses PHP's float precision (about 14 decimal digits) but displays 3 decimal places.
Q5: What's the height if I know the side length?
A: Height = side × √3/2 ≈ side × 0.8660