Pythagorean Theorem Calculator
The classic right triangle.
Pythagorean Theorem Calculator
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What This Calculator Does
The Pythagorean Theorem Calculator finds any missing side of a right triangle. It confirms the fundamental relationship: the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of squares of the other two sides.
How It Works
c = sqrt(a^2 + b^2). Enter any two sides to find the third. Enter both legs to find the hypotenuse, or one leg and the hypotenuse to find the other leg.
Example
A right triangle with legs 3 and 4 has a hypotenuse of 5: sqrt(9+16) = 5.
Formula
c^2 = a^2 + b^2Reading the Results
Hypotenuse (c)
The longest side of the right triangle, opposite the right angle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work for non-right triangles?
No. The Pythagorean theorem applies only to right triangles. Use the law of cosines for other triangles.
What is a Pythagorean triple?
Three positive integers satisfying a^2 + b^2 = c^2, such as (3,4,5), (5,12,13), and (8,15,17).
Can I use it to check if a triangle is right?
Yes. If a^2 + b^2 = c^2 exactly, the triangle is a right triangle.