Area of Compound Shapes for 11+ Maths (CEM & GL)
19 October 2026
Understanding compound shapes
Compound shapes are figures made by joining two or more simple shapes, like rectangles, triangles, or circles. For the 11+ CEM and GL exams, children are often asked to calculate the area of these mixed shapes.
Breaking shapes into parts
The best approach is to split the compound shape into familiar pieces. Identify each simple shape, work out its area using the correct formula, then add the results together for the total area.
Supporting your child at home
Encourage your child to draw lines to separate the shapes, label all the given measurements, and check that all units match. Practising with a range of shapes helps build confidence and accuracy.
Key insight: Questions in CEM and GL exams can include a variety of compound shapes, so knowing how to break down and approach each type is essential for success.
Further practice and resources
For more interactive exercises and targeted practice, visit the area of compound shapes package at https://eb-maths.com/area-compound-shapes-package.
