Shoelace Formula:
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The shoelace formula, also known as Gauss's area formula, is a mathematical algorithm to determine the area of a simple polygon whose vertices are described by their Cartesian coordinates in the plane.
The calculator uses the shoelace formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the area by summing the products of the x-coordinates with the y-coordinates of the next vertex, then subtracting the products of the y-coordinates with the x-coordinates of the next vertex, and finally dividing by 2.
Details: Accurate area calculation is crucial for land measurement, construction planning, interior design, and various engineering applications where precise spatial measurements are required.
Tips: Enter the coordinates of all four points in feet. The points should be entered in order (either clockwise or counterclockwise) around the quadrilateral for accurate results.
Q1: What order should I enter the points?
A: Points should be entered in consecutive order around the quadrilateral, either clockwise or counterclockwise.
Q2: Does this work for irregular quadrilaterals?
A: Yes, the shoelace formula works for any simple polygon, including irregular quadrilaterals.
Q3: What units does this calculator use?
A: The calculator uses feet for all measurements and returns area in square feet.
Q4: Can I use this for more than 4 sides?
A: This specific calculator is designed for quadrilaterals (4 sides), but the shoelace formula can be extended to polygons with more sides.
Q5: What if my quadrilateral is self-intersecting?
A: The shoelace formula may give incorrect results for self-intersecting polygons (complex polygons).