Pythagorean Theorem Calculator Formula & How It Works
c = √(a² + b²) | a = √(c² − b²) | b = √(c² − a²)
- a, b = legs (sides adjacent to the right angle)
- c = hypotenuse (side opposite the right angle — always longest)
- The theorem only applies to right triangles
- Check: if a²+b²=c², the triangle is right-angled at C
The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of squares of the two legs (a²+b²=c²). To find hypotenuse: c=√(a²+b²). To find a leg: a=√(c²−b²). Used in navigation, construction, carpentry, and any distance calculation in 2D.