Area vs. Surface Area — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 5, 2023
Area refers to the amount of space inside a two-dimensional shape, while surface area denotes the total area covering the exterior of a three-dimensional object.
Difference Between Area and Surface Area
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Area vs. Surface Area: Area is a measure of the space enclosed by a two-dimensional figure, such as a rectangle or circle. Surface area, conversely, measures the total exterior space of a three-dimensional object like a cube or sphere.
Understanding Area and Surface Area: While area solely concerns flat shapes, surface area dives into the realm of volume and depth. Every face of a three-dimensional object contributes to its surface area, while the area remains confined to singular flat shapes.
Calculating Area and Surface Area: Area calculations depend on the shape in question; for instance, the area of a rectangle is length multiplied by width. The surface area of a three-dimensional object, like a cube, is found by calculating the area of each face and summing them up.
Applications of Area and Surface Area: Area is crucial in determining space for flooring or painting a wall. Surface area becomes vital when considering the wrapping of packages or the exterior painting of a 3D object.
Conceptual Differences between Area and Surface Area: One can imagine area as the space within the boundaries of a drawing on paper. Surface area, on the other hand, is like the paper needed to wrap a model or toy completely.
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Comparison Chart
Dimensionality
Two-dimensional (2D).
Three-dimensional (3D).
Measures
Space within a flat shape.
Total exterior of a 3D object.
Example Shapes
Square, Circle, Triangle.
Cube, Sphere, Cylinder.
Application
Flooring, Wall painting.
Wrapping, Exterior painting of 3D objects.
Calculation Complexity
Typically simpler formulas.
Often involves summation of multiple areas.
Compare with Definitions
Area
The space enclosed by a two-dimensional shape.
The area of this square is 16 square units.
Surface Area
The total area that the surface of an object occupies.
The surface area of this box is 24 square units.
Area
The extent or measurement of a flat surface.
The area of the playground is 500 square meters.
Surface Area
The measure of the extent of a 3D object's exterior.
To paint this statue, we need to know its surface area.
Area
The amount of space inside the boundary of a flat geometric figure.
The area of a circle is calculated using π times the radius squared.
Surface Area
The aggregate of all the areas of the faces of a solid shape.
The surface area of a cylinder includes the areas of its two bases and its curved side.
Area
The quantity that expresses the extent of a two-dimensional surface.
The area of the triangle is half the base times the height.
Surface Area
The sum of areas of all faces of a three-dimensional object.
The surface area of a sphere is 4π times the radius squared.
Area
A measure of the size of a surface or region.
The picnic area is large enough for everyone.
Surface Area
The total external space of a three-dimensional figure.
Knowing the surface area of a tank helps in determining how much material is needed to coat it.
Area
A roughly bounded part of the space on a surface; a region:a farming area; the New York area.
Area
A surface, especially an open, unoccupied piece of ground:a landing area; a playing area.
Area
A distinct part or section, as of a building, set aside for a specific function:a storage area in the basement.
Area
A division of experience, activity, or knowledge; a field:studies in the area of finance; a job in the health-care area.
Area
An open, sunken space next to a building; an areaway.
Area
Abbr. AThe extent of a planar region or of the surface of a solid measured in square units.
Area
(mathematics) A measure of the extent of a surface; it is measured in square units.
Area
A particular geographic region.
Area
Any particular extent of surface, especially an empty or unused extent.
The photo is a little dark in that area.
Area
The extent, scope, or range of an object or concept.
The plans are a bit vague in that area.
Area
(British) An open space, below ground level, giving access to the basement of a house, and typically separated from the pavement by railings.
Area
(soccer) Penalty box; penalty area.
Area
(slang) Genitals.
Area
Any plane surface, as of the floor of a room or church, or of the ground within an inclosure; an open space in a building.
The Alban lake . . . looks like the area of some vast amphitheater.
Area
The inclosed space on which a building stands.
Area
The sunken space or court, giving ingress and affording light to the basement of a building.
Area
An extent of surface; a tract of the earth's surface; a region; as, vast uncultivated areas.
Area
The superficial contents of any figure; the surface included within any given lines; superficial extent; as, the area of a square or a triangle.
Area
A spot or small marked space; as, the germinative area.
Area
Extent; scope; range; as, a wide area of thought.
The largest area of human history and man's common nature.
Area
A particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography);
It was a mountainous area
Bible country
Area
A particular environment or walk of life;
His social sphere is limited
It was a closed area of employment
He's out of my orbit
Area
A subject of study;
It was his area of specialization
Areas of interest include...
Area
A part of a structure having some specific characteristic or function;
The spacious cooking area provided plenty of room for servants
Area
A part of an animal that has a special function or is supplied by a given artery or nerve;
In the abdominal region
Area
The extent of a 2-dimensional surface enclosed within a boundary;
The area of a rectangle
It was about 500 square feet in area
Common Curiosities
Why is surface area important in packaging?
Surface area determines the amount of material needed to cover or wrap an object.
Can a line have an area?
No, a line is one-dimensional and doesn't enclose space, so it doesn't have an area.
What does area measure?
Area measures the space enclosed by a two-dimensional shape.
What does surface area measure?
Surface area measures the total area covering the exterior of a three-dimensional object.
How is the area of a circle calculated?
The area of a circle is calculated as π times the radius squared.
Can a 3D object have an area without surface area?
No, 3D objects have surface areas; however, their individual faces have areas.
How does one find the surface area of irregular objects?
For irregular objects, surface area might be found using geometry, calculus, or other specialized methods.
What contributes to the surface area of a cube?
The surface area of a cube is the sum of the areas of its six equal faces.
What's the relationship between the area of a circle's base and the surface area of a cylinder?
The area of a circle's base is part of the cylinder's surface area, along with the area of the cylinder's side (or lateral area).
Can the area of a shape be zero?
No, if a shape has an area, it cannot be zero, as area represents the space enclosed.
Is the area always measured in square units?
Yes, area is always measured in square units, like square meters or square inches.
Why might someone need to calculate area or surface area in real life?
Calculating area helps in tasks like painting walls or laying flooring, while surface area is essential for things like packaging, painting 3D objects, or designing heat exchangers.
Is surface area always greater than area?
Not necessarily. For example, one face of a cube might have an area of 4 square units, but the entire surface area of the cube is 24 square units.
Why is surface area important in heat exchange?
Objects with greater surface areas can dissipate or absorb heat more efficiently, which is why radiators or heat sinks have fins or extended surfaces.
How does changing the dimensions of a shape affect its surface area?
Changing the dimensions can increase or decrease the surface area, but the exact change depends on the shape and the manner of alteration.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
