Pyramid

Definition, properties, and formulas for pyramid calculations

Definition and Properties

A pyramid is a polyhedron with a polygonal base and triangular side faces that meet at a single point, called the apex.

  • A pyramid with an n-sided base has n+1 vertices, n+1 faces, and 2n edges
  • The base is any polygon with at least three edges
  • The side faces are triangles connecting base edges to the apex
  • The center of gravity lies on the segment from base center to apex in a 1:3 ratio
The formulas below refer to a right square pyramid.
Pyramid diagram

Formulas

Base side length a
Base side formula
\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt{\frac{P}{4}}\)
Radius to side center rₛ
Radius to side center formula
\(\displaystyle r_s=\sqrt{\frac{A}{2}}\)
Radius to corner rᵥ
Radius to corner formula
\(\displaystyle r_v=\sqrt{\left(\frac{a}{2}\right)^2+r_s^2}\)
Base perimeter P
Base perimeter formula
\(\displaystyle P=4a\)
Base area A
Base area formula
\(\displaystyle A=a^2\)
Height h
Height formula
\(\displaystyle h=\frac{3V}{A}=\sqrt{m^2-r_s^2}\)
Lateral height m
Lateral height formula
\(\displaystyle m=\sqrt{h^2+r_s^2}\)
Edge length k
Edge length formula
\(\displaystyle k=\sqrt{m^2+\frac{a^2}{4}}\)
Area of one side M₁
One side area formula
\(\displaystyle M_1=\frac{ma}{2}\)
Lateral surface M
Lateral surface formula
\(\displaystyle M=\frac{mP}{2}\)
Volume V
Volume formula
\(\displaystyle V=\frac{Ah}{3}\)
\(\displaystyle V=\frac{Ah}{3}\)     \(\displaystyle M=\frac{mP}{2}\)     \(\displaystyle h=\sqrt{m^2-r_s^2}\)

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