Surface area is the total area of all the outside faces of a three-dimensional solid. Because it adds up flat areas, it is measured in square units, while volume is measured in cubic units.
Math Dictionary / Surface Area
Surface Area
Surface area is the total area of all outside faces of a three-dimensional figure.
GeometryGrade 6Grade 7Grade 8GEDSATACT
What it means
It is measured in square units.
Also called: outside area
Examples
| A cube has 6 square faces |
| A rectangular prism surface area adds all face areas |
| Paint on a box relates to surface area |
Common mistake
Surface area uses square units, while volume uses cubic units.
Try one
Question: Does surface area measure inside space or outside faces?
Show answer
Outside faces.