Pythagorean Theorem Calculator | Find Hypotenuse or Missing Side

Q: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, a^2 + b^2 = c^2 , where c is the hypotenuse and a and b are the other two sides.

Q: How do you find the hypotenuse?

Use c = sqrt(a^2 + b^2) . For example, if a = 3 and b = 4 , then c = 5 .

Q: How do you find a missing side of a right triangle?

Rearrange the formula to a = sqrt(c^2 - b^2) or b = sqrt(c^2 - a^2) . This works only when c is the hypotenuse and is longer than the other side.

Q: What does angle notation like α (bc) mean?

It means the angle α is formed by sides b and c . This is standard triangle notation: α lies opposite side a , β opposite b , and γ opposite c .

Pythagorean theorem calculator for right triangles. Find the hypotenuse or a missing leg using a^2 + b^2 = c^2, and solve common right triangle side problems quickly.

Use this Pythagorean theorem calculator to find the hypotenuse or a missing leg of a right triangle. It is useful for geometry homework, construction, layout work, carpentry, and any problem where two sides of a right triangle are known and the third must be calculated.

The Pythagorean theorem states that a² + b² = c², where c is the hypotenuse and a and b are the legs. This calculator can solve the formula in both directions depending on which side you select.

Pythagorean theorem formula

$$a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}\Leftrightarrow c= \sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}$$

Initial Data

Choose, if you would like to find A, B or C and insert the other two values!

A =

B =

C =

Result

α, β, γ, A, P, s

Angle α (bc)	-
Angle β (ac)	-
Angle γ (ab)	-
Area	-
Perimeter	-
Semiperimeter	-

h_c, r, R, m

Height h_c	-
Inradius	-
Circumradius	-
Median m_a	-
Median m_b	-
Median m_c	-

Fig. 1 Right triangle

Pythagorean Theorem FAQ

What is the Pythagorean theorem?
The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where c is the hypotenuse and a and b are the other two sides.

What does this Pythagorean theorem calculator do?
This calculator finds the hypotenuse or one missing leg of a right triangle when the other two sides are known. Select the side to solve for, enter the known values, and the missing side is calculated automatically.

How do you find the hypotenuse?
Use c = sqrt(a^2 + b^2). For example, if a = 3 and b = 4, then c = 5.

How do you find a missing side of a right triangle?
Rearrange the formula to a = sqrt(c^2 - b^2) or b = sqrt(c^2 - a^2). This works only when c is the hypotenuse and is longer than the other side.

What does angle notation like α (bc) mean?
It means the angle α is formed by sides b and c. This is standard triangle notation: α lies opposite side a, β opposite b, and γ opposite c.

What is the theorem used for?
It is used to calculate distances and side lengths in right triangles. Common uses include geometry, roof and ladder problems, construction layout, surveying, navigation, and coordinate geometry.

» Pythagorean Theorem Calculator

Pythagorean theorem formula

Initial Data

Result

Fig. 1 Right triangle

See also:

Pythagorean Theorem FAQ