Width is the shorter of the two dimensions used to describe a flat shape, with length being the longer. Multiplying length by width gives the area of a rectangle.
Math Dictionary / Width
Width
Width is the distance across a shape or object from side to side.
MeasurementGrade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6GED
What it means
In a rectangle, width is one of the two side measurements used with length.
Also called: side-to-side distance
Examples
| A rectangle may have length 10 and width 4 |
| Area of a rectangle = length x width |
| Perimeter uses both length and width |
Common mistake
Width is a distance, so it should use length units such as inches, feet, centimeters, or meters.
Try one
Question: A rectangle has area 40 and length 10. What is its width?
Show answer
Width = 40 / 10 = 4.