Pythagorean Theorem Calculator

Solve a right triangle with the Pythagorean theorem — find the hypotenuse or a missing leg. Pick what to solve for and enter two sides.

Result
The solved side.

Usage Tip

Common whole-number right triangles: 3-4-5, 5-12-13, 8-15-17. Multiples of these work too (6-8-10).

THE MATH
a² + b² = c²
c is the hypotenuse, a and b are the legs
In any right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the two legs.
Rearranged, it finds a missing leg from the hypotenuse and the other leg.
Hypotenuse mode: enter both legs.
Leg mode: enter the known leg, then the hypotenuse (which must be longer).
The result is a length, always positive.
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