Parallelograms, a subtype of quadrilaterals, encompass rectangles, squares and rhombuses. The shape's defining characteristic is that each side is parallel to the one opposite it, creating two pairs of parallel sides --- hence the name "parallelogram." The two dimensions important in calculating a parallelogram's area and perimeter are its base and height. The parallelogram's base is just one of its sides, and its height is the perpendicular distance between the base and its parallel partner. Finding a parallelogram's base and height means just choosing a side and measuring its distance from its partner.
Instructions
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1
Select one of the parallelogram's sides for its base and measure it with the ruler. For an example, let the base measure 5 inches.
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2
Measure the two interior angles on either end of the base with the protractor. In this example, the left interior angle measures 45 degrees and the right interior angle measures 135 degrees.
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3
Select the greater interior angle, and draw a perpendicular line from the vertex of the angle to the side opposite it.
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4
Measure the perpendicular line's length to find the parallelogram's height. Concluding this example, the perpendicular line measures 4 inches --- the parallelogram's height is 4 inches.