Trapezoid Area
Trapezoid Area
The trapezoid is the everyday shape of embankments, channels and retaining sections; its area is the average of the parallel sides times the height.
The area is A = ½·(a + b)·h. where a and b are the parallel sides and h the perpendicular height.
Inputs
a := 6 m=6 m
b := 10 m=10 m
h := 3 m=3 m
Average the parallel sides and multiply by height.
A := 0.5·(a + b)·h=24 m^2
Results
Multiplying this cross-section by a length gives earthwork or channel volumes — a staple of cut-and-fill quantity take-offs.
Assumptions & limitations
- Parallel top and bottom.
- Perpendicular height.
- Planar cross-section.