What does perimeter measure?

Perimeter specifically measures the total distance around a polygon. It is calculated by adding together the lengths of all the sides of the shape. This concept is fundamental in geometry, as knowing the perimeter can help in various real-world applications, such as determining the amount of fencing needed to enclose a yard or the length of material required for a border.

In contrast, the other options represent different measurements relevant to shapes but are not synonymous with perimeter. For instance, the area refers to how much space is contained within a polygon, height pertains to the vertical measurement of a shape, and volume describes the amount of three-dimensional space a solid occupies. Each of these measurements serves a unique purpose and is crucial in different scenarios in mathematics and science.