What is the formula for calculating the perimeter of a square?

The formula for calculating the perimeter of a square is based on the properties of squares, where all four sides are of equal length. The formula P = 4s denotes that the perimeter (P) is equal to four times the length of one side (s). This is fundamental because each side contributes equally to the overall perimeter, making the multiplication straightforward.

In contrast, the other options represent formulas for different geometric shapes or measures. For example, P = 2l + 2w is used for the perimeter of a rectangle, where l and w represent the lengths of the sides. The formula P = lw represents the area of a rectangle, not the perimeter. Lastly, P = πr is the formula for the circumference of a circle, which involves the radius (r) of the circle.

By focusing on the unique characteristics of a square, where all sides are equal, it becomes clear why multiplying the length of one side by four accurately provides the correct measure for the perimeter.