Boundary vs. Perimeter — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 5, 2023
Boundary refers to a line or natural feature marking the edge of an area, while the perimeter is the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure.
Difference Between Boundary and Perimeter
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The concept of a boundary typically relates to the dividing line or location between different areas, properties, or regions, marking the extent of a particular space or territory. It signifies limits and is often used in legal and social contexts to establish where one jurisdiction or property ends and another begins. Boundaries can be physical, such as fences or walls, or conceptual, marked by abstract lines.
Perimeter, on the other hand, refers specifically to the total length of the line forming the boundary of a two-dimensional shape. It is a mathematical term used to describe the measure of this line around polygons, and its calculation involves summing the lengths of all sides of the figure. The perimeter provides a numerical value that represents the size of the boundary of a shape.
When discussing a boundary, it may encompass not only the physical edge but also the idea of a psychological or social dividing line. A boundary can represent a point of no crossing or a delineation between two distinct areas or ideas. It is less about measurement and more about demarcation.
Conversely, the perimeter is solely concerned with measurement and spatial dimensions. It does not carry the same abstract connotations as a boundary but is a specific and calculable property of shapes. Its relevance is mostly within the realms of geometry and mathematics, rather than legal or societal rules.
A boundary has a broader scope of application, often used in legal, social, and political contexts, while the concept of the perimeter is predominantly used in mathematics and for practical physical measurements in everyday situations, such as fencing a yard or garden where you would calculate the perimeter to know how much fencing material is needed.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Edge defining a space or limit.
Length of a shape's edge.
Usage
Legal, social, and property context.
Mathematical and physical measurement.
Nature
Can be physical or conceptual.
Always physical and measurable.
Measurement
Not always quantifiable.
Quantifiable total length.
Examples
Borders, personal space limits.
Edges of a polygon, garden fencing.
Compare with Definitions
Boundary
Something that indicates bounds or limits.
The fence is there to establish a boundary for the dogs.
Perimeter
The outermost parts or boundary of an area or object.
They walked the perimeter of the park every morning.
Boundary
A line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.
The river formed a natural boundary between the two regions.
Perimeter
A fortified boundary that defends against attacks.
The troops set up a secure perimeter around the camp.
Boundary
A limit of a sphere of activity.
She does not let work stress cross the boundary into her personal life.
Perimeter
A measurement of the distance around something.
The garden’s perimeter was lined with flowers.
Boundary
A dividing line between two pieces of land.
They planted trees along the boundary of their property.
Perimeter
The continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure.
We calculated the perimeter of the square field.
Boundary
The limit of a subject or principle.
This discussion is beyond the boundary of our meeting topic.
Perimeter
The total length of such a boundary.
The perimeter of the rectangle is twice the sum of its length and width.
Boundary
A line which marks the limits of an area; a dividing line
A county boundary
A boundary wall
The river marks the boundary between the two regions
Perimeter
A perimeter is either a path that encompasses/surrounds/outlines a shape (in two dimensions) or its length (one-dimensional). The perimeter of a circle or an ellipse is called its circumference.
Boundary
A hit crossing the limits of the field, scoring four or six runs.
Perimeter
The continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometrical figure
The perimeter of a rectangle
Boundary
Something that indicates a border or limit.
Perimeter
An instrument for measuring the extent and characteristics of a person's field of vision.
Boundary
The border or limit so indicated.
Perimeter
A closed line bounding a plane area.
Boundary
The dividing line or location between two areas.
Perimeter
The length of such a line.
Boundary
The bounds, confines, or limits between immaterial things such as one’s comfort zone, privacy, or professional sphere and the realm beyond.please check this definition along with the example below
I didn’t mean to push the boundaries by sending my boss a message on Saturday night.
Perimeter
The outer limits of an area.
Boundary
(cricket) An edge or line marking an edge of the playing field.
Perimeter
A defended boundary protecting a military position.
Boundary
(cricket) An event whereby the ball is struck and either touches or passes over a boundary (with or without bouncing), usually resulting in an award of 4 (four) or 6 (six) runs respectively for the batting team.
Perimeter
(Basketball) The three-point line.
Boundary
(topology) (of a set) The set of points in the closure of a set , not belonging to the interior of that set.
Perimeter
(mathematics) The sum of the distance of all the lengths of the sides of an object.
Boundary
That which indicates or fixes a limit or extent, or marks a bound, as of a territory; a bounding or separating line; a real or imaginary limit.
But still his native country liesBeyond the boundaries of the skies.
That bright and tranquil stream, the boundary of Louth and Meath.
Sensation and reflection are the boundaries of our thoughts.
Perimeter
(mathematics) The length of such a boundary.
Boundary
The line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something
Perimeter
The outer limits of an area. circumference
Boundary
A line determining the limits of an area
Perimeter
A fortified strip or boundary usually protecting a military position.
Boundary
The greatest possible degree of something;
What he did was beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior
To the limit of his ability
Perimeter
An instrument for determining the extent and shape of the field of vision.
Perimeter
The outer boundary of a body or figure, or the sum of all the sides.
Perimeter
An instrument for determining the extent and shape of the field of vision.
Perimeter
The boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary
Perimeter
A line enclosing a plane areas
Perimeter
The size of something as given by the distance around it
Common Curiosities
Is perimeter only for polygons?
Primarily, but it can refer to any closed line, including circles (circumference).
What's the difference between a fence and a boundary?
A fence is a physical barrier, while a boundary can be a physical or conceptual limit.
What is a boundary line?
A boundary line is the edge or line that marks the extent of an area or property.
Can a boundary be intangible?
Yes, boundaries can be conceptual, like social or ethical boundaries.
How is the perimeter calculated?
The perimeter is calculated by summing the lengths of all sides of a shape.
Can a boundary change?
Yes, boundaries can change due to legal, social, or physical factors.
Can perimeter be used in a non-mathematical sense?
Rarely, it usually refers to a measurable physical boundary.
Is a property line the same as a boundary?
Yes, a property line is a type of boundary.
Can perimeter be a straight line?
No, the perimeter must enclose a space, so it cannot be straight.
Are country borders considered boundaries?
Yes, country borders are geopolitical boundaries.
Do all geometric shapes have a perimeter?
Yes, all closed geometric shapes have a perimeter.
Is a coastline a boundary or perimeter?
a natural boundary and the perimeter of the landmass.
Do boundaries have to be legal?
Not necessarily; they can also be personal or social.
Can a boundary be invisible?
Yes, it can be an invisible line that marks a limit, such as property lines.
How is the perimeter useful in real life?
It helps in calculating fencing for a property, fabric for a dress, etc.
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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.
