Surface Area of Square Pyramids

Find the outside area by adding the square base and the four triangle faces.

Practice progress0 / 10

Today’s Goal

Use a simple formula to find the total surface area of a square pyramid.

s base side b triangle faces

What you will do

1Find the square base area.
2Find the area of all 4 triangles.
3Add them together.

Learn the Parts

Only two measurements are needed: the side of the square base and the slant height of a triangle face.

s b 4 triangles

Vocabulary

Surface AreaTotal outside area.
BaseThe bottom square.
FaceOne side triangle.
Slant HeightHeight of a triangle face.
Use the triangle’s slant height, not the straight height inside the pyramid.
Do Together

Guided Practice

One problem at a time

Independent Practice

Teacher answer key

Exit Ticket

Answer these before you finish.

1. What does slant height mean?

2. Explain the 3 steps in your own words.

Teacher note: Student written responses are not submitted anywhere. Use Canvas, Google Classroom, or screenshots if you need collection.