Formula and example
How it is calculated
V=abh/3. Slant heights: sₐ=√[h²+(b/2)²], sᵦ=√[h²+(a/2)²]. L=a·sₐ+b·sᵦ; S=ab+L.
Worked example
With a square base of side 6 cm and height 4 cm, V=48 cm³. Both slant heights are 5 cm and the total surface area is 96 cm².
Things to check
- The apex is directly above the centre of the rectangle. An oblique pyramid has different slant heights.
- The total surface area includes the base.
Frequently asked questions
What do the two slant heights mean?
For a rectangular base, the triangular faces along side a and side b may have different heights. Both face heights are therefore shown.