Geometric Shapes

Any object around us with a fixed structure can be considered as a geometric shape. These shapes are made up of lines, curves, angles, and surfaces. Some of the known geometric shapes are square, rectangle, circle, cylinder, etc.

Geometric shapes are any structure, open or closed, having a definite shape and properties made up of lines and points. Some of the known geometric shapes are square, rectangle, circle, cone, cylinder, sphere, etc. All these shapes have some properties that make them unique and different from the other shapes.

Geometric shapes are defined as figures closed by a boundary which is made by combining the definite amount of curves, points, and line segments. Each shape has a unique name such as circle, square, triangle, rectangle, etc. In real life, we are surrounded by various basic geometric shapes, like the slice of a pizza is in the shape of a triangle, doors or windows are in the shape of a rectangle, and many more.

In geometry, when an object or a shape is not connected with both ends, it is considered an open geometric shape. When an object or a shape is connected with both ends it is considered a closed geometric shape. There are two types of geometric shapes, classified as:

• Two-dimensional: These are 2D shapes that have only the x-axis and y-axis. They are flat structures with 2 dimensions. For example, triangle, square, rectangle, etc.
• Three-dimensional: These are 3D shapes that have an x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The z-axis represents the height of the object. They are solid structures with 3 dimensions. For example, cube, cuboid, etc.

To draw any of these geometric figures, we have to start with a line, a curve, or a line segment. Thus, based on the number and arrangement of the lines we can make different types of geometric shapes and figures, for example, by joining four line segments a rectangle shape is formed. A triangle can be formed by joining three-line segments and so on.

Look at the chart given below which represents different two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometric shapes.

Two-Dimensional Geometric Shapes

Let us learn about the five basic two-dimensional geometric shapes.

• Triangle: A triangle is a closed two-dimensional geometric shape with three sides. For example, a sketch of a slice of pizza, the shape of nachos, etc.
• Square: A square is a two-dimensional geometric shape that is formed by four sides of equal length. For example, the shapes of a chessboard and a carrom board.
• Rectangle: A rectangle is a four-sided, two-dimensional geometric shape in which the length of the opposite sides is equal. For example, laptop screens, etc.
• Circle: A circle is a closed two-dimensional geometric figure that is round in shape. A circle does not have any lines or corners. For example, pizza base, wheel, etc.
• Oval: An oval is similar to a circle but its shape is slightly elongated. An oval has no straight lines or corners. For example, the shape of the number zero (0).

Three-Dimensional Geometric Shapes

Let us now learn about the six basic 3-dimensional geometric shapes.

• Cube: A cube is a 3D geometric shape, made up of six squares of equal sides. For example, a ludo dice, a Rubik's cube, etc.
• Cuboid: A cuboid is a 3D geometric shape that is formed by six rectangles. For example, a book, a box, etc.
• Cylinder: A cylinder is a solid 3D geometric shape that has two identical circular flat ends. For example, cold drink cans, pool noodles, etc.
• Sphere: A sphere is a solid 3D geometric shape that looks like a ball. For example, football, basketball, etc.
• Hemisphere: A hemisphere is a geometric shape that is half of a sphere. For example, Soup bowls.
• Cone: A cone is a 3D geometric shape that has a flat circular base and a pointed edge at the top called the apex. For example, ice-cream cones, clown hats, etc.

There are many basic geometric shapes that can be formed. Some of them are two-dimensional and some are three-dimensional. The list of geometric shapes along with their faces, edges, and vertices are given below:

► Related Articles

Check the following articles to learn more about geometric figures.

• Annulus
• Frustum
• Trapezium
• Parallelogram

What are Geometric Shapes in Geometry?

Geometric shapes are also known as geometric figures made up of a combination of lines or curves. In our real-life, we are surrounded by geometric figures, such as, windows which are in the shape of squares, or, doors that are in the shape of rectangles, etc.

What are the Different Types of Geometric Shapes?

There are two types of geometric shapes: two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometric shapes. Two-dimensional shapes are closed figures with a length and a breadth such as square, and rectangle. Three-dimensional shapes are also closed figures that have a length, a breadth, and a height, such as cuboid, and cube.

Is a Straight Line a Geometric Shape?

A straight line is a one-dimensional geometric shape that only has a length. When many straight lines are joined together, they form shapes like squares, triangles, and so on.

What are Three-Dimensional Geometric Shapes?

In geometry, a three-dimensional geometric shape is a solid figure or shape with three dimensions that is length, width, and height. For example, cylinder, sphere, cuboid, etc.

What are Two-Dimensional Geometric Shapes?

A two-dimensional geometric shape is a shape that has length and width but no height or depth. Circle, square, rectangle, triangle are a few examples of a two-dimensional shape.

What are the Names of Geometric Shapes?

Following is the list of some basic geometric figures:

• Triangle
• Rectangle
• Cube
• Cuboid
• Sphere
• Square
• Rhombus
• Trapezium

What are the Basic Geometric Shapes?

There are many geometric figures based on their dimensions. Circle, triangle, square, rectangle are a few of the basic 2-d shapes. Cube, cuboid, sphere, cone, and cylinder are a few of the basic 3-dimensional figures or shapes.

What are the Examples of the Basic Geometric Shapes in Real Life?

A few examples of geometric shapes in real life are listed below:

• Circle: cookies, wheels of a bike
• Square: square tiles on the floor, square paper napkins
• Rectangle: textbooks, cell phones, a television screen
• Triangle: a sandwich cut diagonally, traffic signboards

What is the Use of Geometric Shapes?

Geometric shapes refresh our visual senses in a logical, practical, and interesting way. They give a sense of order and accuracy to a piece of work and everyday life.

Why are Geometric Shapes Important for Kids?

Learning geometric shapes helps children identify visual information and also helps them in organizing and learning skills in different areas. Kids develop facial recognition and navigation skills if they are able to categorize and compare various shapes.