Pythagorean Theorem Calculator
Calculate the missing side of a right triangle using the Pythagorean theorem (a² + b² = c²).
Find the hypotenuse or either leg.
Hypotenuse (C)
Side A
Side B
The Pythagorean Theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides:
a² + b² = c²
Where:
- a and b are the two shorter sides (legs)
- c is the longest side (hypotenuse), opposite the right angle
Rearranged to find any side:
c = √(a² + b²)— find the hypotenusea = √(c² - b²)— find side ab = √(c² - a²)— find side b
Common Pythagorean triples (integer solutions):
- 3, 4, 5
- 5, 12, 13
- 8, 15, 17
- 7, 24, 25
- 20, 21, 29
The Distance Formula is derived from the Pythagorean theorem:
d = √((x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²)