11+ Maths: Area
19 October 2026
Understanding area
Area is the amount of space inside a shape. In the 11+ maths exam, children are often asked to find the area of different shapes, so it's important to feel confident with these questions.
Key shapes and formulas
Start with rectangles and squares. The area of a rectangle is found by multiplying its length by its width. For squares, all sides are equal, so multiply one side by itself. Triangles are a common next step: use base times height, then halve the answer. Some questions involve compound shapes, which are made by joining rectangles or other simple shapes together.
Practical ways to practise
At home, encourage your child to draw shapes on squared paper and work out the area. Use everyday objects like books or placemats to talk about area in real life. Break down tricky shapes into smaller rectangles or triangles to make the calculation easier.
Spotting mistakes and improving
If your child finds a question difficult or gets it wrong, help them look back and see where things went off track. Focusing on these tricky spots makes practice much more effective and builds confidence over time.
Key insight: Mastering area is not just about knowing formulas, but about breaking shapes down, checking each step, and learning from mistakes. Calm, focused practice at home helps children approach 11+ area questions with confidence.
