How is the area of a parallelogram calculated?

The area of a parallelogram is calculated using the formula that involves multiplying the base by the height. The base refers to the length of one side of the parallelogram, while the height is the perpendicular distance from that base to the opposite side. This formula effectively measures the extent of surface space that the parallelogram covers.

Using this approach allows for accurate measurement of the area regardless of the angles or the slant of the sides, as long as the height is properly measured perpendicularly to the base. This fundamental concept in geometry reflects the basic definition of area, which is about measuring the two-dimensional space occupied by a shape. Thus, the option that states "base x height" provides the correct approach for calculating the area of a parallelogram.