Meanings
- mathematicsAn algorithm to determine the area of a simple polygon whose vertices are described by their Cartesian coordinates in the plane.
Synonyms: Gauss's area formula, surveyor's formula
Synonyms & antonyms
proper nounAn algorithm to determine the area of a simple polygon whose vertices are described by their Cartesian coordinates in the plane.
Origin
So called because the constant cross-multiplying for the coordinates making up the polygon is analogous to the threading of shoelaces.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
shoelace formula. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shoelace%20formula
“shoelace formula.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shoelace%20formula. Accessed November 4, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “shoelace formula,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shoelace%20formula.
Source: shoelace formula on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.