Hexagon Area
A = (3√3/2)·l²P = 6·lThe area of a regular hexagon is three halves of the square root of three, multiplied by the side squared. The factor is roughly 2.598.
The perimeter is simply six times the side.
The formula applies only to the **regular** hexagon, with all six sides and angles equal. Irregular hexagons must be split into triangles.
A regular hexagon can be divided into six identical equilateral triangles, each with a side equal to the hexagon’s.
That makes geometric construction trivial: with a compass, stepping the radius around its own circle, the six points land exactly on the vertices.
It is also why the distance from the centre to any vertex equals the side — a property no other regular polygon has.
Among the three shapes that tile the plane with no gaps — triangle, square and hexagon — the hexagon uses the least perimeter for the same total area.
In plain terms: a hexagonal honeycomb stores the same volume using less wax than any other arrangement that fits together perfectly.
The same economy shows up in engineering: hexagonal honeycomb panels give high stiffness with little material, which is why they are used in aerospace and in lightweight doors.
It appears too in game grids, hex maps and interlocking pavers, where gapless fitting is the requirement.
Frequently asked questions
No. The formula assumes six equal sides and angles. For irregular ones, split the figure into triangles and add the areas.
Because among shapes that tile the plane with no gaps, the hexagon uses the least perimeter for the same area. The honeycomb stores more while spending less wax.
Equal to the side. It is a property unique to the regular hexagon among regular polygons, and what allows construction with a compass alone.
That measurement is the side times the square root of three, about 1.732. Divide by it to get the side before calculating.