A rectangular garden is 12 meters long and 8 meters wide. A path of uniform width is built around it, increasing the total area to 208 square meters. What is the width of the path?

Sun, 03 May 2026 08:39:26 +0000

**Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Path Metrics That Mystery Curves Hid Like Geometry—And What It Really Means**
Every morning, millions scroll through garden inspiration, seeking the perfect blend of beauty and function. A simple rectangular garden, precisely 12 meters long and 8 meters wide, is a common canvas—but adding a uniform stone or gravel border often transforms it in unexpected ways. Suddenly, the total footprint expands from the original 96 square meters to 208 square meters. Curious about how a narrow path, measured in meters, can shift an entire outdoor space? The answer lies in a quiet yet precise geometric shift designed to enhance form without overwhelming nature. ### Why This Garden + Path Puzzle Is Rising in US Discussions
Across the United States, homeowners and landscape designers are increasingly drawn to geometric precision in outdoor spaces. As urban yards shrink and curb appeal rises in value, even subtle layout updates—like a defined path—carry meaningful weight. The 12x8 meter garden with a surrounding path offers a relatable, shareable challenge: how does a uniform border expand the total area so noticeably? This question isn’t just about numbers—it reflects a growing interest in intentional, data-backed design choices. People search for clarity: exactly how wide must the path be to reach that extra 112 square meters without encroaching on planting zones? The math behind this is both practical and deeply connected to America’s love of outdoor living. ### How to Calculate the Path Width Around a 12x8 Garden with 208 Total Meters The base garden measures 12 meters in length and 8 in width, giving a base area of 96 square meters. When a path of uniform width *x* surrounds the garden, every side extends by twice *x*—adding 2*x* to both length and width. The new dimensions become 12 + 2*x* and 8 + 2*x*, resulting in a total area of:
(12 + 2*x*) × (8 + 2*x*) = 208