Pythagorean Theorem Solver & Calculator

Solve a² + b² = c² and find any side of a right triangle in seconds.

Interactive Tool

Enter Side Lengths

Enter any two values and click the button to calculate the third.

Result

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Calculation Summary

?² + ?² = ?²
RESULT---
Step-by-step

See the formula substitution and final answer instantly.

Visual proof

Watch the triangle update in real time as you enter values.

Mobile friendly

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Right Triangle Formulas This Solver Handles

Use the calculator as an a² + b² = c² solver for side length, area, perimeter, altitude, and missing-leg checks. These compact formulas cover the most common right triangle searches.

area

Find area from two legs

If you know both legs of a right triangle, multiply them and divide by 2 to get area.

Area = (a × b) / 2

perimeter

Find perimeter quickly

After computing the missing side, add all three sides to get the full boundary length.

Perimeter = a + b + c

altitude

Altitude to the hypotenuse

The altitude from the right angle to the hypotenuse is useful for area and similarity problems.

h = (a × b) / c

a² + b² = c²

Solve for a missing leg

When the hypotenuse and one leg are known, subtract squares and take a square root.

a = √(c² - b²), b = √(c² - a²)

Free: 20 practice problems (PDF)

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FAQ

Can I solve for any side?

Yes. Enter any two sides and the calculator finds the third.

Does it work for non-right triangles?

No, the formula applies only to right triangles.

Why is c the hypotenuse?

c is opposite the 90° angle and is always the longest side.

What is the Pythagorean Theorem?

In a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the legs.

a² + b² = c²

Quick example

If a = 3 and b = 4, then c = 5.

Learn with steps

Derived Calculations: Angles, Ratios, and Scaled Triangles

You can extend Pythagorean theorem results into angle estimation and triangle scaling for practical tasks in design, drafting, and measurement.

Find an acute angle with tangent

If both legs are known, use inverse tangent to estimate one acute angle.

θ = arctan(a / b)

Find an angle with sine

If one leg and the hypotenuse are known, use inverse sine for angle solving.

θ = arcsin(a / c)

Scale any known right triangle

If (a, b, c) forms a right triangle, multiplying by the same factor keeps the triangle similar.

(ka)² + (kb)² = (kc)²

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