Area of a Circle Example
23 October 2026
Understanding the area of a circle is a key part of 11+ maths. Children often find circles tricky because the formula is different from squares or rectangles. This clear example shows how to use the area formula step by step, making it easier for your child to see how each part fits together.
Find the area of a circle with a radius of 5 cm
Write the formula for the area of a circle: A = π × r × r
Substitute the radius into the formula: A = π × 5 × 5
Calculate 5 × 5 = 25
Multiply π by 25: A = π × 25
Use π ≈ 3.14 to find the area: 3.14 × 25 = 78.5
The correct answer is 78.5 cm².
Key insight: Once your child has worked through this example, they should be able to spot the formula and know when to use it for any circle. Practising similar questions will help them feel more confident with area and parts of circles in the 11+.
