Module 13 · Lesson 01

Area, Volume, and Conversions

Practical jobsite math the exam loves.

5 min read

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Area formulas

Rectangle: length times width. Triangle: one-half times base times height. Circle: pi times radius squared. Most surfaces on a jobsite can be broken into combinations of these three shapes. Always carry units; mixing feet and inches is the most common math error.

Volume formulas

Box: length times width times height. Cylinder: pi times radius squared times height. Concrete is ordered in cubic yards; one cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. A 4-inch slab covers 81 square feet per cubic yard, a useful rule of thumb.

Unit conversions

12 inches per foot. 3 feet per yard. 5,280 feet per mile. 7.48 gallons per cubic foot. 144 square inches per square foot. Memorize these. Convert before you calculate, not in the middle of an equation.

Mini-quiz

Attempt 1 · 3 questions

Check your understanding. Passing is 70% — but you can keep going to the next lesson either way.

  1. Question 1

    Based on "Volume formulas", which statement is correct?

  2. Question 2

    Based on "Volume formulas", which statement is correct?

  3. Question 3

    Based on "Unit conversions", which statement is correct?