Geometric Shapes in Maths

Geometric Shapes: Geometric shapes are the figures used in mathematics to represent the forms of real-world things. Shapes are the forms of things in geometry that have boundaries, angles, and surfaces.

There are two types of geometric figures:

  • 2D Shapes(Two-dimensional)
  • 3D Shapes(Three-dimensional)

Shapes are also divided into two types based on their regularity or uniformity.

  • Regular Shapes– Symmetric shapes such as squares, circles, etc.
  • Irregular Shapes– Asymmetric shapes or freeform shapes.

Table of Content

  • List of Geometric Shapes
  • Types and Properties of Geometric Shapes
  • 2D Shapes
  • Types of Polygons
  • 3D Shapes
  • List and Properties of Geometric Shapes
  • Open and Closed Figures
    • Closed Shapes
    • Open Shapes
  • Applications of Geometric Shapes

List of Geometric Shapes

Name Type Edges Vertices Faces
Square 2D 4 4
Rectangle 2D 4 4
Triangle 2D 3 3
Circle 2D Curved 0
Pentagon 2D 5 5
Hexagon 2D 6 6
Cube 3D 12 8 6
Cuboid 3D 12 8 6
Cone 3D 1 1 2
Cylinder 3D 2 0 3
Sphere 3D Curved 0 1

Types and Properties of Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes are vital in understanding the world around us and play a crucial role in various disciplines, from art to engineering. Here’s an overview of the main types of geometric shapes and their properties:

2D Shapes

Name Figure Definition
Square A square is a 2D figure consisting of 4 equal sides and equal angles, where each angle is equal to 90°. 
Rectangle A rectangle is a 2D figure with 4 sides where opposite sides are equal and each angle is equal to 90°.
Triangle A triangle is a 2D figure enclosed with 3 sides and consists of 3 edges and 3 vertices and has the sum of its 3 angles equal to 180.
Circle A circle is a closed 2D figure round in shape with no sides and corners.
Oval An oval is also a closed 2D figure somewhat similar to a circle with elongated to some extent. It does not have 
Parallelogram A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides and equal opposite angles.
Trapezium  A Trapezium is a quadrilateral in which one pair of opposite sides is parallel.
Rhombus Rhombus is a type of quadrilateral.It is a special parallelogram that has 4 equal sides and its diagonals bisect at 90.
Kite Kite is a quadrilateral that has two pairs of equal adjacent sides.

Types of Polygons

Shapes Figures
Triangle
Quadrilateral
Pentagon
Hexagon
Septagon
Octagon
Nonagon
Decagon

3D Shapes

Names of 3D geometric shapes Figure Definition
Cube

A cube is a three-dimensional shape that has 6 faces, 8 vertices, and 12 edges. The faces of the cube are square.

Example: A Rubik’s cube

Cuboid

A cuboid is a three-dimensional solid having 6 rectangular faces, 8 vertices, and 12 edges. 

Example: Matchbox

Cone

A cone is a solid which has a circular base and a pointed edge at the top called the apex or vertex. 

Example: An ice cream cone

Cylinder

A cylinder is a 3d solid shape that has two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface. It has no vertex. 

Example: Gas cylinder

Sphere

A sphere is a round shape in a 3d plane, looking like a ball. Its radius extends in three dimensions (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis).

Example: Ball

List and Properties of Geometric Shapes

The list of geometric shapes along with their edges, vertices, and faces is given below.

Open and Closed Figures

Closed Shapes

Basic geometric shapes like squares, rectangles, and triangles are a few 2D shapes. These figures are referred such as polygons. Any flat form or plane on a piece of paper is a polygon. They have finite closed boundaries made up of line segments known as sides of the polygon. Geometric figures such as polygons are known as closed figures. The boundary of a closed figure could be either made up of line segments or curves. Therefore, any geometric object that begins and ends at the same location and forms a border using line segments or curves is considered to be a closed figure.

Open Shapes

Open shapes aren’t complete. The beginning points and finishing point must be met in order to draw a closed figure. Using line segments or curves to represent open figures is another option, but at least the lines will be broken up. The origin and destination of an open figure are distinct.

Open Figures

Applications of Geometric Shapes

  • Mathematics: Understanding properties of shapes helps in the study of geometry, including calculations for area, volume, and other dimensional analyses.
  • Engineering and Architecture: Shapes are the foundation of design and construction, influencing the strength, aesthetics, and functionality of structures.
  • Art and Design: Artists and designers use geometric shapes to create visual interest and structure in their works.

Conclusion of Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes are basic elements in geometry and are mainly divided into two types: 2D and 3D shapes. 2D shapes, like circles, triangles, squares, rectangles, and polygons, are flat and only have length and width. They are defined by their edges (the straight lines that form their boundaries), vertices (the corners where edges meet), and internal angles (the angles inside the shape).3D shapes, like spheres, cubes, cylinders, cones, and pyramids, add depth to the length and width, creating a third dimension. These shapes have faces (flat or curved surfaces), edges (where two faces meet), and vertices (corners where edges come together).

Geometric Shapes – FAQs

What are different geometric shapes in Maths?

There are various geometric shapes such as circle, square, rectangle, kite, triangle etc. are the basic 2d shapes while Cube, Cuboid, Cone, Cylinder, Sphere are basic 3d shapes.

Name different kinds of polygons.

The different polygons are:

Give a few real-life examples of 3D shapes.

Some examples include:

  • Cube – Sugar cube, Rubik’s cube
  • Cuboid- A wooden rectangular box, matchbox
  • Cone- Ice-cream cone, Pyramid
  • Sphere- Football, Basketball
  • Cylinder- Gas cylinder, cylindrical jar

What are basic solid shapes?

The basic solid shapes are Cube, Cuboid, Cone, Sphere, Hemisphere and Cylinder.