3rd Grade Figures with the Same Area Worksheet: Count the Squares

Area tells us how much space a flat shape covers. In this 3rd grade figures with the same area worksheet, every figure is drawn on grid paper. Each small square is one of the square units. There are four sets, and each set has three figures with different outlines. However, in every set two of them cover the same number of squares. So your child counts the squares in each figure, writes the number down and ticks the two that match. Page two is the answer key, with the right pair ticked in every set. It is a good first look at a big idea: two shapes can look different and still have the same area.

The four pairs, counted again

We counted all twelve figures one more time. In set 1, the figures have 16, 14 and 14 squares, so B and C match. In set 2, they have 13, 13 and 11, so the pair is A and B. In set 3, the counts are 14, 12 and 14, which gives A and C. Finally, set 4 has 16, 16 and 15, so A and B match again.

Every tick in the key is right. Also, the odd figure out always differs by one to three squares. That is why a careful count matters more than a quick look.

At the table: count in rows, then compare

The printed instruction says "Select any figure(s) with the same areas." That wording is a little confusing. In fact, each set has exactly two matching figures, so read it aloud as "Tick the two figures with the same area."

To count without mistakes, your child can go row by row and write the total of each row at the side. Then they add the row totals. A light pencil dot in each counted square also helps, because no square is counted twice. Comparing areas by counting unit squares is part of the grade 3 measurement standard, so this page is right on level.

After the page: build shapes with the same area

Give your child 12 small blocks, coins or sticky notes. First, ask them to make a rectangle with all 12. Then ask for a different shape that still uses all 12 pieces. Both shapes have the same area, even though they look different. Next, try it on squared paper: draw a figure of 10 squares, and your child draws another one with 10 squares too. Finally, swap roles and check each other by counting.