Have you ever been confused about all the different shapes out there? Squares, circles, rectangles, they all start to blend together after a while. But each shape is unique with its own name, look, and qualities that set it apart.
In this article, we’ll go through some of the most common shapes names, describing what makes each one special. We’ll look at pictures and examples so you can get a handle on recognizing these geometric forms.
What are Shapes & What are their Importance?
Shapes are geometric figures that define an enclosed space. It determine an object’s boundaries and can be differentiated in a variety of ways according to their properties. Shapes are defined by a border formed by combining curves, points, and line segments. Each shape gets a name based on its structure. They range from the simple circles, triangles and squares, to the complex trapezoids, parallelograms and polygons.
Knowing shapes is key to understanding the world around us. They are the building blocks for everything from architecture to data visualization. Circles represent eternity and are ideal for wheels. Triangles, the strongest shape, are used in construction. Squares tile well, so they’re perfect for flooring.
Whether in math, science, art or everyday life, shapes impact how we interpret information and the world around us. They are essential elements of visual design and help us categorize objects. Understanding them unlocks a hidden language in the structures and spaces that surround us each day.
Shapes Names With Descriptions & Images
Shapes are one of the first geometrical figures children learn. As a child, you probably learned the basic shapes like circles, triangles and squares. But there are many more shapes with specific names and attributes.
Cube
A cube is a three-dimensional shape with six square faces of equal area. All of its angles are right angles (90 degrees) and all its edges are of equal length. Cubes are highly symmetrical, with six faces that are all identical squares. They roll smoothly on flat surfaces because they have no preferred direction
Some properties of a cube include the following:
- It has 6 faces, all of which are squares.
- It has 8 vertices (corners).
- It has 12 equal edges.
- The surface area of a cube is 6 times the area of one of its faces.
- The volume of a cube is calculated by cubing the length of one of its edges.
A cube is one of the most symmetrical three-dimensional shapes. No matter how you rotate it, it always looks the same. Cubes are very stable and stackable, which is why they’re used in structures and packaging. Legos, dice, and many boxes are examples of cubes we encounter in everyday life.
So in short, a cube is a solid, 3D shape with 6 square faces, 8 vertices and 12 equal edges. It’s highly symmetrical, stable and its surface area and volume can be easily calculated. Cubes are very useful in both mathematics and real world structures.
Triangle
A triangle is a polygon with three sides and three angles. The three sides of a triangle are straight line segments that intersect at three points called vertices. The interior angles of a triangle always add up to 180 degrees. Triangles are classified into three main categories: scalene triangles, which have no congruent sides, isosceles triangles, which have at least two congruent sides and equilateral triangles all its sides are equal in length.
The sides and angles of a triangle determine whether it is acute, obtuse, right or equilateral. An acute triangle has all angles less than 90 degrees. An obtuse triangle has one angle greater than 90 degrees. A right triangle has one 90 degree angle. An equilateral triangle has three 60 degree angles and all sides equal in length.
The angles and sides of a triangle follow the triangle inequality theorem which states that the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side. Triangles are foundational shapes in geometry and are used to construct more complex polygons.
Square
A square is a flat shape formed by four straight, equal sides that meet at four right angles. The square has four lines of symmetry since it looks the same no matter which side you view it from. The square has four equal sides with four angles of 90 degrees each.
The properties of a square include:
- Four equal sides: All four sides are the same length.
- Four right angles: Each of the four angles measures 90 degrees.
- Parallel sides: Opposite sides of a square are parallel.
- Diagonal symmetry: A square has two lines of symmetry that go from opposite corners.
- Area formula: A = s^2, where s is the length of any side.
- Perimeter formula: P = 4s, where s is the length of any side.
The square is a special type of rectangle where all four sides are equal in length. Squares are very stable and sturdy shapes that provide the maximum area for a given perimeter. Many man-made structures utilize squares and rectangular shapes for this reason.
Rectangle
A rectangle is a four-sided flat shape with four right angles. It has two pairs of equal sides with opposite sides parallel and equal in length. The adjacent sides intersect at 90° angles. The four angles of a rectangle are right angles, measuring 90 degrees each. The properties of equal sides and right angles give the rectangle a simple, uniform shape.
Properties of a rectangle include the following:
- A rectangle is a quadrilateral.
- Each interior angle is equal to 90 degrees.
- The sum of all the interior angles is equal to 360 degrees.
- The opposite sides are parallel and equal to each other.
- The diagonals bisect each other.
- Both the diagonals have the same length.
Parallelogram
A parallelogram is a four-sided shape with two pairs of parallel sides. Think of it as a slanted rectangle, its opposite sides are parallel but are slanted at an angle.
The properties of a parallelogram include:
- having two pairs of parallel sides of equal length.
- having opposite sides parallel and equal in length.
- having opposite angles equal in measure.
- having diagonals that bisect each other. The diagonals intersect at the midpoint and cut each other into two equal halves.
The characteristics of a parallelogram include the quadrilateral shape with 4-sides, the parallel and equal opposite sides, and the equal opposite angles. The diagonals of a parallelogram also have special properties and the shape has rotational symmetry of order 2.
In summary, the parallelogram is a slanted quadrilateral with some special properties relating to its sides, angles and diagonals. Understanding these properties and characteristics helps in classifying quadrilaterals and solving geometric proofs and constructions.
Cone
A cone is a geometric shape that tapers smoothly from a circular base to a point called the apex. It has a circular base and a curved surface that connects the circumference of the base to the apex. The cone gets progressively narrower from the base to the apex, ending in a single point.
Cones are three-dimensional shapes, unlike the two-dimensional circle or triangle. They have volume and surface area, not just perimeter and area. The volume of a cone depends on its height and the radius of its base.
Cones are extremely useful in many applications like ice cream cones, traffic cones, and even some roofs. They are one of the most stable shapes that can hold weight and resist movement. The cone shape also helps with aerodynamics, which is why many rockets have cone-shaped noses.
In summary, the cone is a practical and multifunctional form with a circular base, curved sides, and a pointed top. Its simple yet elegant geometry gives it both visual appeal and physical stability.
Trapezium
A trapezium is a quadrilateral shape because it has four sides that join each other at four different angles and has four vertices. The longer side is called the base, while the shorter side is the top. The non-parallel sides of the trapezium are called legs.
Trapeziums have some interesting properties:
- Both pairs of angles on the same side of a leg are supplementary (sum to 180°)
- The midpoints of the legs and the midpoints of the bases are collinear (lie on the same line)
- The diagonals bisect each other.
Trapeziums come in three forms: acute, right, and obtuse. An acute trapezium has two acute angles between the legs and bases. A right trapezium has a right angle, while an obtuse trapezium has an obtuse angle between the legs and bases.
Trapeziums are versatile shapes used in architecture, construction, and engineering. Their properties make them ideal for creating stable structures.
Hexagon
A hexagon is a six-sided polygon with six angles of equal measure. Each of the six sides are of equal length. The prefix “hexa-” means six in Greek.
The hexagon is a highly symmetrical shape. It has six lines of symmetry meaning it looks the same even after being rotated in multiples of 60 degrees. Due to its symmetry, the hexagon tiles perfectly.
The interior angles of a regular hexagon are each 120 degrees. The sum of the interior angles of any polygon is always 180(n-2) degrees, where n is the number of sides. So for a hexagon, the sum of the interior angles is 180(6-2) = 180(4) = 720 degrees.
The hexagon is found commonly in nature, for example as the cells of a honeycomb. Many man-made objects also have the hexagonal shape, such as nuts, bolts, CDs, and the shapes of some dice.
In geometry, the hexagon is one of the polygons that tessellate the plane, meaning that figures of the same shape and size can cover a surface with no gaps. The hexagon has various properties that make it useful in fields like chemistry, materials science, and engineering.
Pyramid
A pyramid is a polyhedron with a square as its base and triangles as its faces. It has a point at the top and widens uniformly downwards to the base. Pyramids are named after Egyptian pyramids, but the geometric shape is more general.
The key properties of a pyramid include:
- A polygon base, usually square.
- Triangular faces that meet at a common apex.
- Equal lateral faces.
- Stable and symmetrical.
Pyramids are described by their base, such as a square pyramid or a pentagonal pyramid. The square pyramid, with a square base and four triangular faces, is the most common type. Pyramids are used in architecture, optics and math. They are a striking and visually appealing form found both in nature and as an artistic shape.
Cylinder
A cylinder is a three-dimensional shape with two parallel circles of equal size at each end connected by a curved surface. The cylinder has a circular base and a curved lateral surface. The lateral surface is at right angles to the base. The curved surface and circular base enclose a region of space called the interior of the cylinder.
The cylinder is one of the most common shapes used in engineering and architecture. Some examples of cylinders in real life are cans, pipes, tubes, columns, etc. The cylinder has a symmetrical and uniform shape, allowing for efficient packaging, transportation and storage of materials.
The cylinder has two parallel bases and one curved side surface. The bases are circles and the side surface is curved. The side surface is perpendicular to the bases. The cylinder has a central axis which passes through the centres of the two bases. It has a constant diameter and also a constant cross-section. The cylinder allows objects to roll easily due to its curved surface.
The cylinder is a prism where the bases are circles. The side faces are curved and the same width all the way round. The cylinder has an axis of rotational symmetry. The volume of a cylinder can be calculated using the formula: Volume = πr2h, where r is the radius of the base and h is the height of the cylinder.
Pentagon
A pentagon is a five-sided polygon with five angles and five sides of equal length. The word pentagon is derived from the Greek words ‘pente’, meaning five and ‘gonia’, meaning angle. The properties of a pentagon include:
Each interior angle is 108 degrees. The sum of the interior angles of a pentagon is 540 degrees. The pentagon has rotational symmetry of order 5, which means it looks the same after being rotated 72 degrees. It has 5 lines of symmetry. The regular pentagon has 5 congruent sides and 5 congruent interior angles.
The pentagon is one of the basic shapes used in geometry and art. Various geometric shapes in nature like some crystals and flowers have pentagonal geometry. The pentagon is a popular shape in architecture, designs, logos, etc. The pentagon is a strong and stable shape due to its symmetrical properties.
Some well-known pentagon shapes are the pentagram and pentacle. The pentagon is also a key shape in origami and used to make a variety of origami models.
Circle
A circle is a simple closed curve that is defined by a set of points that are equidistant from a fixed point at the center. It has no angles and is often considered the perfect geometrical shape in nature and mathematics.
Some key properties of a circle include:
- Circumference: The total length around the edge of the circle.
- Diameter: A straight line passing through the center of the circle connecting two points on the circumference.
- Radius: The distance from the center to the circumference. Half the length of the diameter.
- Pi (π): The ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14.
- Chord: A straight line connecting two points on the circumference.
- Arc: A curved line that is part of the circumference.
- Central angle: The angle formed with the vertex at the center of the circle.
- Tangent: A straight line that touches the circle at only one point. Always perpendicular to the radius at that point of contact.
A circle encloses the maximum area for a given perimeter and experiences uniform stress distribution for enclosed objects. No wonder circles and spheres are so commonly found in nature and used in engineering designs. Their simple yet elegant form leads to many useful applications in the real world.
Sphere
A sphere is a perfectly round geometrical shape in three dimensional space. It is defined as the set of all points that are equidistant from a given point, called the center.
Some key properties of a sphere include:
- It has a curved surface with no edges or vertices.
- Any straight line through the center will intersect the surface in two places that are equidistant from the center.
- All points on the surface are equidistant from the center.
- The surface area and volume formulas are simple, using the radius length.
A sphere is a highly symmetrical object, which means it looks the same from any viewpoint. This makes spheres very useful in fields like geometry, physics, and astronomy to represent objects like balls, globes, bubbles, and planets.
In nature, spheres and spherical shapes are very common, from bubbles to oranges to planets and stars. The sphere is truly a perfectly balanced and harmonious form.
Oval
An oval shape is defined geometrically as a curve resembling a squashed circle. It’s a closed curve with one axis longer than the other.
Oval shapes have several distinct properties:
Symmetry
Ovals have bilateral symmetry, meaning they are mirrored on either side of a central dividing line. They lack the radial symmetry of a perfect circle.
Curvature
The curvature of an oval is constantly changing, unlike the fixed curvature of a circle. Ovals have two focal points and two radii of curvature at any given point. This gives them a flowing, rounded shape.
Eccentricity
Ovals have an eccentricity between 0 and 1. A perfect circle has an eccentricity of 0, while a parabola’s is 1. Ovals fall somewhere in between, with their exact eccentricity determining how elongated or rounded they appear.
In summary, ovals make an interesting alternative to the symmetry and perfection of circles. Their flowing shape and changing curvature give them a more natural, organic feel. Ovals are a versatile and visually appealing shape found throughout art, design, and the natural world.
Crescent
A crescent shape is a sort of lune, which is made up of a circular disk and a section of another disk removed, leaving a shape encircled by two circular arcs that meet at two locations. In a crescent, the enclosed shape excludes the center of the original disk.
A crescent shape resembles a half-moon curve. It has two tapering ends that curve outward, A crescent is a shape that has a curved and tapering form like a half-moon. It has two points facing outward, away from each other. A crescent can be formed by joining two circular arcs which have unequal radii.
Prism
A prism is a polyhedron for which the bases are parallel, equal, and congruent polygons. Prisms are named for their base, so a prism with a triangular base is called a triangular prism. The lateral faces of a prism are parallelograms.
Prisms have the same cross-section along a length, so they are examples of uniform solids. The lateral area formula is:
Lateral Area = Perimeter of Base x Height
The total surface area formula is:
Total Surface Area = Lateral Area + 2 x Area of Base
Prisms are used in optics to reflect and refract light. The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection when light reflects off a surface. When light passes through a prism, it is refracted and separated into the visible light spectrum. Prisms are also architecturally interesting 3D shapes used in structures. The strength and stability of prisms make them useful for construction.
Heart
The heart shape is one of the most recognizable shapes. Its symmetrical, curved form with a cleft at the top is familiar worldwide as a symbol for love and emotion.
In geometry, the heart shape is not technically a heart but two curves of the same size joined at a point. The upper curve is wider while the lower curve tapers to a point. The cleft at the top gives the heart its distinctive shape. The heart shape has rotational symmetry, meaning it looks the same no matter which way it’s turned.
Though simple in form, the heart shape is rich in meaning. It represents core human values like romance, caring, and compassion. The heart shape appears frequently in art, design, and popular culture as an icon and metaphor. Its emotional symbolism and visual appeal have made the heart shape an enduring and ubiquitous motif in human expression.
Rhombus
A rhombus is a geometrical shape with four equal sides and angles. The sides of a rhombus are parallel to each other, meaning that any two opposite sides are parallel. The angles opposite to each other are also equal. Due to its properties, a rhombus can sometimes be referred to as an equilateral quadrilateral.
The diagonals of a rhombus intersect each other at right angles, dividing it into four equal triangles. The diagonals bisect opposite angles and are perpendicular to each other. These properties make the rhombus a special parallelogram where the diagonals are perpendicular bisectors of each other.
A rhombus has point symmetry, meaning that it looks the same no matter which point is considered the center. It also has reflective symmetry along its diagonals and axes of symmetry through the midpoints of opposite sides. These properties make the rhombus a symmetrical quadrilateral.
The area of a rhombus can be calculated using the length of any side and the height related to that side. One of the most distinctive properties of the rhombus is that its four sides are equal in length, even though its angles may differ. The shape of a rhombus is often described as a slanted square.
Cuboid
A cuboid is a three-dimensional shape with six rectangular faces. It has the same cross-section along a length, as well as square corners. Cuboids are one of the most common 3D shapes used in the real world. Some examples of cuboids are boxes, cupboards, rooms, and buildings.
The cuboid has three pairs of parallel faces and edges of equal length. Each internal angle is 90 degrees. It has eight vertices and twelve edges. The volume formula for a cuboid is length x width x height.
The cuboid is a prism, more specifically, a rectangular prism. It is a polyhedron with flat faces and straight edges. Cuboids are very stable and stackable, as they have flat, even surfaces and edges. Cuboids also tessellate, meaning they can fit together with no gaps. The cuboid is one of the fundamental shapes used in architecture and construction.
Right Triangle
A right triangle has one 90° angle. It has two acute angles less than 90° and three sides: the hypotenuse which is the longest side opposite the right angle, and two legs on either side of the right angle.
The hypotenuse and legs have a special relationship: the square of the hypotenuse length equals the sum of the squares of the leg lengths. This is known as the Pythagorean theorem. Using the Pythagorean theorem, you can calculate the length of any side of a right triangle if you know the lengths of the other two sides.
Right triangles are frequently used in construction, engineering and architecture. The strength and stability of triangles make them ideal for providing support in structures. The 90° angle of a right triangle means it can fit neatly into corners.
Semicircle
The semicircle, half of a circle, has a curved edge and a straight edge. It is symmetrical, but unlike a full circle, the curved edge has an end point where it meets the straight edge. A semi-circle contains half the circumference and half the area of a full circle.
To calculate the circumference of a semicircle, you need to know the diameter of the full circle. Find half that diameter to get the radius of the semi-circle. Then use the formula for circumference of a circle (2πr) with that radius. For the area, use half the area of the full circle (πr2).
Semi-circles are found in architecture, design, and infrastructure. Archways, domes, and rounded doorways or windows are often semi-circular in shape. Traffic interchanges, off-ramps, and highway exit loops utilize semi-circular shapes. In geometry, a semicircle is a basic form that is useful for calculating angles, arcs, and segments. Knowing the properties of semi-circles helps in many areas of mathematics, science, and engineering.
List of 40+ Shapes Name and Images
| No. | Shapes Name | Shapes Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Square |  |
| 2. | Rectangle |  |
| 3. | Triangle |  |
| 4. | Right triangle |  |
| 5. | Rhombus |  |
| 6. | Parallelogram |  |
| 7. | Circle |  |
| 8. | Cube |  |
| 9. | Cuboid |  |
| 10. | Cylinder |  |
| 11. | Sphere |  |
| 12. | Hemisphere |  |
| 13. | Cone |  |
| 14. | Diamond |  |
| 15. | Star |  |
| 16. | Heart |  |
| 17. | Pentagon |  |
| 18. | Hexagon |  |
| 19. | Heptagon |  |
| 20. | Octagon |  |
| 21. | Nonagon |  |
| 22. | Decagon |  |
| 23. | Semicircle |  |
| 24. | Quadrilateral |  |
| 25. | Pyramid |  |
| 26. | Prism |  |
| 27. | Trapezium |  |
| 28. | Trapezoid |  |
| 29. | Oval |  |
| 30. | Ring |  |
| 31. | Cross |  |
| 31. | Kite |  |
| 32. | Arrow |  |
| 34. | Crescent |  |
| 35. | Tetrahedron |  |
| 36. | Octahedron |  |
| 37. | Square pyramid |  |
| 38. | Hexagonal pyramid |  |
| 39 | Pentagonal prism |  |
| 40. | Triangular prism |  |
| 41. | Rectangular prism |  |
Examples of Objects and Their Shapes
Shapes are everywhere in our world, in nature and in man-made objects. Here are nine common examples of items and their shapes:
- A circle is round like a ball, coin or clock face.
- A square has four equal sides and angles, such as a tile or dice.
- A triangle has three sides and angles, e.g. a yield sign.
- A rectangle has four sides with two pairs of equal lengths, like a book or tablet screen.
- An oval is rounded at the sides and pointed at the ends, as seen with an egg or football.
- A cylinder is like a can, pipe or pen.
- A cone has a circular base and tapering sides meeting at a point, similar to an ice cream cone or traffic cone.
- A sphere is a completely round solid figure, demonstrated by an orange or globe.
- A prism has two parallel and congruent ends with rectangular sides, resembling a box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have some questions about shapes? Here are a few of the most common ones:
What are the basic shapes?
The basic shapes are:
- Circle: A round shape with no corners or sides.
- Square: A four-sided shape with equal sides and four right angles.
- Triangle: A three-sided polygon with straight sides.
- Rectangle: A four-sided shape with two pairs of equal sides and four right angles.
What are some examples of shapes in real life?
Shapes are all around us! Some examples include:
- Wheels on vehicles (circles)
- Windows and doors (rectangles)
- Yield signs (triangles)
- Tiles (squares)
Why do we study shapes?
Learning shapes at an early age helps children develop visual-spatial skills and the ability to sort objects by attributes. Recognizing shapes is also important for learning skills like puzzles, building blocks, and geometry.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a run down of the basic shapes we see all around us every day. From triangles to hexagons, circles to squares, keep an eye out and you’ll start noticing them everywhere, on signs, in architecture, in nature, and even in food. It’s pretty amazing how many different forms objects in our world can take. We covered the key details on naming conventions and visual characteristics for each one.