Python Project: Calculate Area and Perimeter of a Rectangle

Level: Beginner

Project Overview 💡

In this project, you'll create a Python program that calculates both the area and the perimeter of a rectangle using separate functions. This is a foundational exercise that helps reinforce the use of functions, arithmetic operations, and code organization.

---

Challenge Yourself! 🚀

Before checking the solution, try writing a program that calculates the area and perimeter of a rectangle using two different functions.

Task:

Write a Python program that:

• Defines a function to calculate the area of a rectangle

• Defines another function to calculate the perimeter

• Calls both functions with sample inputs

• Prints the results

Expected Output:
Below you can see what the program would output if we called it using the following input values:

area = rectangle_area(10, 3)

perimeter = rectangle_perimeter(10, 3)

As you can see, the program prints out 30 for the area and 26 for the perimeter.

Give it a shot! Scroll down when you're ready for the step-by-step guide.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Spoiler Alert!

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1️⃣: Define the Area Function

Create a function that takes width and height as parameters and returns their product.

def rectangle_area(width, height):
    return width * height

Step 2️⃣: Define the Perimeter Function

This function takes the same arguments and returns the sum of all sides.

def rectangle_perimeter(width, height):
    return 2 * (width + height)

Step 3️⃣: Call the Functions with Example Values

Use example dimensions to call both functions and store the results.

area = rectangle_area(10, 3)
perimeter = rectangle_perimeter(10, 3)

Step 4️⃣: Print the Results

Display the area and perimeter on the screen.

print(area)
print(perimeter)

---

Complete Code 🧨

def rectangle_area(width, height):
    return width * height

def rectangle_perimeter(width, height):
    return 2 * (width + height)

# Calculate area and perimeter
area = rectangle_area(10, 3)
perimeter = rectangle_perimeter(10, 3)

# Display the results
print(area)
print(perimeter)

---

Alternative Solution

Here’s a version that takes input from the user instead of using hardcoded values:

def rectangle_area(w, h):
    return w * h

def rectangle_perimeter(w, h):
    return 2 * (w + h)

width = float(input("Enter the width of the rectangle: "))
height = float(input("Enter the height of the rectangle: "))

print("Area:", rectangle_area(width, height))
print("Perimeter:", rectangle_perimeter(width, height))

Comparison

• The original version is quick and great for testing or learning.

• The alternative version adds interactivity by allowing users to input their own dimensions.

---

Want More? 🔥

Enjoyed this project? Unlock real-world projects with full guides & solutions by subscribing to the paid plan. 🎉