Geometric Shapes: List, Definition, Types

of Geometric Shapes
Geometric Shapes can be defined as figure or area closed by a boundary which is created by combining
the specific amount of curves, points, and lines. Different geometric shapes are Triangle, Circle, Square,
etc. Before we shift our focus to rather advanced and competitive mathematical concepts of
geometry and algebra, it is important that you acquire the necessary understanding of the geometric
shapes. All of us know about the common shapes in geometry like a square, rectangle, circle, and
triangle. Let us get more idea on basic Geometric Shapes.

List of Geometric Shapes:

1. Square

2. Circle

3. Rectangle

4. Triangle

5. Polygons

6. Parallelogram

Square

A square is a four-sided figure which is created by connecting 4 line segments. The line segments in the
square are all of the equal lengths and they come together to form 4 right angles.

Circle
On the other hand, a circle which is another shape of geometry has no straight lines. It is rather a
combination of curves that are all connected. In a circle, there are no angles to be found.

Rectangle

Similar to a square, a rectangle is also created by connecting four line segments. However, the only
difference between a square and a rectangle is that in a rectangle, there are two line segments which
are longer than the other two line segments.

So, in geometry, a rectangle is also described as an elongated square. Also, in a rectangle, the four
corners come together to form four right angles.

Browse more Topics under Basic Geometrical Ideas

 Circle

 Curves

 Lines

 Polygons and Angles

 Triangles and Quadrilaterals

Triangle

Triangle comprises three connected line segments. Unlike, a rectangle or a square, in a triangle, the
angles can be of distinct measurements. They aren’t always the right angles. Triangles are named,
depending upon the type of angles which is found within the triangle itself. For instance, if a triangle has
one right angle, it will be known as a right-angled triangle.
However, in case all the angles of a triangle are less than 90 degrees, then it will be called as an acute-
angled triangle. If any, one of the angles in the triangle measures more than 90 degrees, then it will be
known as an obtuse angled triangle. Finally, there is an equiangular triangle, in which all the angles of
the triangle are 60 degrees. On the other hand, the triangle can also be identified or labeled on the type
of sides they have.

 A scalene triangle has no congruent sides.

 An isosceles triangle has two congruent sides.

 An equilateral triangle has three congruent sides.

Please note that equilateral and equiangular triangles are the two distinct terms for the same triangle.

Polygon

Another in the geometric shapes that you need to know about is a polygon. A polygon is made up of
only lines and has no curves. It may not have any open parts. In this case, a polygon is basically a
broader term to several shapes such as a square, triangle, and a rectangle.
Parallelogram

A parallelogram is another in the geometric shapes in which the opposite side of the shape are parallel.
To be able to examine, if the sides are parallel or not, you’ll have to closely examine the shape. The key
property of a parallelogram is that parallel lines never cross or intersect each other, no matter how long
you extend them. So, if you go on extending the lines through eternity and they never intersect each
other, then they can be called a parallelogram.

How to measure the Area of Parallelogram?

However, if the lines touch or meet at any given point, then that shape cannot be considered a
parallelogram. So, a triangle cannot be considered a parallelogram since the lines opposite to a triangle
meet at the point of the triangle. And since the lines intersect, it cannot be called a parallelogram.

Question For You

Question 1: Is circle a polygon? Answer with a reason

Answer: No a circle is not a polygon since it is created using curves, something that isn’t allowed by the
definition of a polygon.

Question 2: What are the basic geometric shapes?

Answer: The basic geometric plane shapes are circle, triangle, rectangle, rhombus, square and
trapezoid.

Question 3: What is a polygon?

Answer: A polygon refers to a shape which is composed of mere lines. Moreover, it does not have any
open parts. It is generally a broader term to multiple shapes like the square, triangle as well as a
triangle.

Question 4: Name triangles on the basis of their sides?

Answer: Triangles on the basis of their sides are scalene triangle, isosceles triangle and an equilateral
triangle. A scalene does not have any congruent sides while the isosceles triangle consists of two
congruent sides. Similarly, an equilateral one has three congruent sides. It is important to note that
equilateral and equiangular triangles are the two different terms we use for the same triangle.

Question 5: What is the key property of a parallelogram?

Answer: The main property of a parallelogram is that parallel lines do not cross or intersect each other.
Moreover, it does not matter how long one extends them. Thus, if one goes on extending the lines
through eternity and do not intersect each other, they will refer to as a parallelogram.

Measurement is finding a number that

shows the size or amount of something.
There are two main "Systems of Measurement": Metric and US Standard.
 Metric

 Introduction to the Metric System (with Maggie!)

 The Metric System of Measurement

 Metric Numbers

US Standard Units

 Introduction to US Standard Units (with Maggie!)

We can measure many different things, but mostly we measure Length, Area, Volume, Mass and Time.

Length

 Metric Length

 US Standard Length

 Activity: Discover Lengths

Area

 Metric Area

 US Standard Area
  Area of Circle, Triangle, Square, Rectangle, Parallelogram, Trapezium, Ellipse and Sector

 Activity: Area of a Garden

Volume

 Metric Volume

 US Standard Volume

 Measuring Cups

 Activity: Discover Capacity

Mass (Weight)

 Metric Mass

 US Standard Mass

 Weight or Mass?

 Apparent Weight

 Activity: Discover Mass

Activity

 Activity: Personal Measures

Time and Date

 Clocks - Digital and Analog

 Analog and Digital Clocks Animation

 Date and Time Clock (24 hour and AM/PM)

 Stopwatches

 Adding and Subtracting Time

 Day of the Week you were Born

 Introduction to Days, Weeks, Months and Years

 Days

 Weeks

 Months

 Years

 Seasons

 Days Between Two Dates

 12 Month Calendar
  AD and BC

 Leap Years

 Earth's Orbit and Daylight

 Sun Clock

 World Time Zones

 The Time - Converting AM/PM to 24 Hour Clock

 Time Worksheets

Conversions

How do you change from one measurement to another? If you know how long something is in meters,
but need to know feet? Or square inches to square meters? You need to know how to do Conversions!
  Conversion of Length (a simple intro to conversion)

 Conversion of Area

 Conversion of Volume

 How to Convert Imperial to Metric

 How to Convert Metric to Imperial

 Metric US/Imperial Conversion Charts

 Unit Conversion Method

 Unit Converter

Temperature

How hot or cold is it going to be today? Is 40° Celsius nice weather? How about 40° Fahrenheit?

 Interactive Thermometer

 Conversion of Temperature - Celsius to Fahrenheit

Speed

 Metric Speed/Velocity

 US Standard Speed/Velocity

 Speed and Velocity

  Acceleration

Direction

 Compass: North, South, East and West

 Direction Game

 Mazes

Units

 The "Unit" in Measurement

 Unit Price and Unit Price Game

 Cooking Measurements

Accuracy and Precision

 Accuracy and Precision

 Errors in Measurement