The Pythagorean theorem calculator computes the length of the hypotenuse (the longest side, c) of a right-angled triangle when the two shorter sides (legs a and b) are known: c = √(a² + b²).
About this calculator
The Pythagorean theorem calculator computes the length of the hypotenuse (the longest side, c) of a right-angled triangle when the two shorter sides (legs a and b) are known: c = √(a² + b²). It's probably the most widely used theorem in geometry.
The theorem shows up in construction, navigation, computer graphics, physics, and engineering — wherever you have a right angle and need a distance.
Common uses
- Calculate the diagonal distance across a rectangular room
- Find the length of a ladder needed to reach a height
- Determine distances in coordinate geometry
- Check if a corner is truly square in construction
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pythagorean theorem?
In a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides: a² + b² = c². For example, a right triangle with legs 3 and 4 has a hypotenuse of √(9 + 16) = √25 = 5.
What are Pythagorean triples?
Pythagorean triples are integer sets where a² + b² = c². Common triples: (3, 4, 5), (5, 12, 13), (8, 15, 17), (7, 24, 25). Any multiple of these is also a triple (e.g., 6, 8, 10). These are useful in construction for creating perfect right angles.