Geometric shapes make up the objects that we see and use on a daily basis. From the circle-shaped button on your shirt to the octagon-shaped stop sign on the corner, basic geometric shapes are everywhere. This infographic includes a list of geometric shapes that range from one-sided shapes to 20-sided shapes and everything in between.
With this geometric guide, you can learn the shapes’ names based on their number of sides, which sides are parallel or equal, as well as the number of angles in each shape, which are equal, and the total degrees all of the interior angles within each shape should add up to.
While this learning resource mainly focuses on basic geometric shapes, it also includes a list of three-dimensional shapes. Can you identify the two-dimensional shape that forms the basis for each 3D one?
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What Are Shapes Called?
In geometry, most two-dimensional shapes are called polygons, which are identified by a finite number of straight line segments that connect to form a closed circuit. Geometric shapes with one or two sides, called a monogon and a digon respectively, are not considered to be polygons, since they lack straight lines. Any shape where all of the sides are equal (equilateral) and all of the angles are equal (equiangular) is referred to as a regular polygon.
Types of Polygons
What Are Three-Dimensional Shapes Called?
Three-dimensional shapes are called polyhedrons. The properties of 3D shapes include the number of faces (flat polygonal sides), vertices (sharp corners), and edges (line segments that connect pairs of vertices).
A list of 3D shapes can be found illustrated on this geometry guide, with a look at the number of faces, edges, and vertices for each type of polyhedron. Note that there is a disagreement among mathematicians on the properties of 3D shapes; some allow a face or an edge to be curved, while others do not.
Types of Polyhedrons
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
