NCERT Class 5 Mathematics Math-Magic: Chapter 3 — How Many Squares?
This chapter, "How Many Squares?" from NCERT's Class 5 Mathematics textbook Math-Magic, introduces students to the concepts of area and perimeter using squares and rectangles. Students are guided to measure the sides of squares and construct various rectangles using a fixed number of unit squares, like 12. They learn to calculate the perimeter by measuring the boundary length and compare the perimeters of different rectangles to identify the longest and smallest. The chapter also uses stamps of different sizes to teach area calculation by counting the number of unit squares covered. Students will compare stamp areas, identify stamps with the same area, and find the difference between the largest and smallest stamp areas. This practical approach helps develop an intuitive understanding of area and perimeter, crucial for CBSE mathematics learning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Math-Magic |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Chapter 3 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 314 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand and calculate the perimeter of rectangles.
- Develop an intuitive sense of area by counting unit squares.
- Compare areas of different shapes.
- Calculate the area of stamps using a grid.
- Differentiate between perimeter and area.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| perimeter | The length of the boundary of a shape. |
| area | The amount of surface a shape covers, measured in square units. |
| square cm | A unit of area equal to the area of a square with sides 1 cm long. |
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Practice questions
- If a rectangle is made using 12 equal squares, what is its area in terms of square units? Answer: 12 square units.
- Which has a longer perimeter: a rectangle made of 12 squares with dimensions 3x4 squares, or a rectangle with dimensions 2x6 squares? Answer: The 3x4 rectangle has a perimeter of 14 units, while the 2x6 rectangle has a perimeter of 16 units. So, the 2x6 rectangle has a longer perimeter.
- How many 1 cm squares does a stamp covering 15 square cm cover? Answer: 15 squares.
Frequently asked questions
What is the perimeter?
The perimeter is the length of the boundary of a shape.
What is the area of a shape?
The area is the amount of surface a shape covers, measured in square units.
How is the area of Stamp D calculated?
Stamp D covers 12 squares, each with a side of 1 cm. So, its area is 12 square cm.
Can rectangles made from the same number of squares have different perimeters?
Yes, rectangles made from the same number of squares can have different perimeters depending on their length and width.
What is the unit of area used in this chapter?
The unit of area used is square cm, based on squares with sides of 1 cm.
What is the main concept introduced in 'How Many Squares?'
The chapter introduces the concepts of area and perimeter through practical activities.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Mathematics — Math-Magic — Chapter 3 — How Many Squares?. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.