Geometric Shapes: Amazing List of 2D & 3D Shapes in English

All visible entities in our world comprise diverse geometric structures. Surprisingly, even when viewed from outer space, the planet we inhabit can be perceived as one immense geometric formation. Consequently, familiarizing ourselves with a wide array of geometric shapes holds significance not only for recognizing their forms but also for educational purposes, given their substantial involvement in various disciplines like natural sciences and Mathematics. With this intention, this article has been crafted to provide a concise elucidation of the concept of geometric shapes, encompassing their multitude of types in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) formats.

What is a Geometric Shape?

In essence, geometric shapes embody the purest representation of an object or figure, retaining their original form regardless of movement, rotation, enlargement, or reflection in a mirror. To simplify, if an entity is classified as a circle in geometry, it maintains its circular properties irrespective of the angle or manipulation applied. The advent of geometry prompted mathematicians to establish principles governing the definition of specific geometric shapes, which consequently delineated the diverse range of geometric shapes known to us today.

Geometric Shapes

In simpler terms, geometric shapes are categorized into two primary groups based on their dimensions. The initial group encompasses two-dimensional (2D) shapes, characterized by their length and width, while the subsequent group comprises three-dimensional (3D) shapes, which possess length, width, and depth.

2D Geometric Shapes

As previously discussed, two-dimensional (2D) geometric shapes possess both length and width. Within the realm of 2D shapes, there exist two main categories: polygons and non-polygons. Polygons are defined as 2D shapes composed of straight lines that intersect at their endpoints, creating a closed figure. On the contrary, non-polygons are closed figures constituted by curved lines, or a blend of straight and curved lines.

1. Triangles

A triangle represents a polygon with precisely three sides and three vertices (or corners). Triangles are further categorized based on the lengths of their sides and the measurement of their interior angles.

Types of triangles according to the lengths of sides

A. Equilateral Triangle

This triangle has all three sides of the same length.

B. Isosceles Triangle

In this triangle, two sides have equal length.

C. Scalene Triangle

All three sides of this triangle have different lengths.

Types of triangles according to interior angles

A. Right Triangle

A triangle containing a 90-degree interior angle, with the side opposite this angle known as the hypotenuse, the longest side of a right triangle.

B. Oblique Triangle

Any triangle lacking a 90-degree interior angle, which can be further classified into:

B.1. Acute Triangle

Triangles with all three interior angles measuring less than 90 degrees.

B.2. Obtuse Triangle

Triangles with one interior angle measuring more than 90 degrees.

C. Degenerate Triangle

A triangle with an interior angle of 180 degrees, appearing as a line segment when drawn.

2. Quadrilaterals

Quadrilaterals denote polygons with four sides and four corners. They are classified into simple and complex types.

A. Simple Quadrilateral

Simple quadrilaterals do not intersect themselves and can be further divided into:

A.1. Convex Quadrilaterals

Quadrilaterals with no interior angles greater than 180 degrees. This category includes various types such as Trapezium, Trapezoid, Isosceles Trapezoid, Parallelogram, Rhombus, Square, Rectangle, and Kite.

A.2. Concave Quadrilaterals

Quadrilaterals with an interior angle greater than 180 degrees, including the type called a dart.

B. Complex Quadrilateral

Quadrilaterals that intersect themselves, resembling a bow-tie shape.

3. Concave and Convex Polygons

Concave polygons have one or more interior angles exceeding 180 degrees, whereas convex polygons have all interior angles less than 180 degrees.

4. Regular and Irregular Polygons

Regular polygons have equal side lengths and interior angle measurements, including shapes such as equilateral triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons, and octagons. Irregular polygons fail to meet both criteria for regular polygons.

5. Curved 2D shapes

Curved 2D shapes comprise closed figures formed by curved lines or a combination of curved and straight lines, including circles, ellipses, arcs, sectors, segments, parabolas, and hyperbolas.

3D Geometric Shapes

Three-dimensional (3D) shapes, or solid figures, possess length, width, and depth. The main types of 3D shapes are as follows:

1. Cuboid

A solid figure with six rectangular faces where adjacent faces meet at right angles.

2. Parallelepiped

Similar to a cuboid, but with parallelogram faces, resulting in non-right angles between adjacent faces.

3. Rhombohedron

A parallelepiped with all edges of equal length.

4. Polyhedron

Solid figures with flat polygonal faces, sharp corners, and straight edges.

5. Prism

Solid figures with two bases of identical dimensions connected by parallelogram-shaped faces.

6. Cone

A solid figure with a circular base that narrows smoothly to a point, called the vertex.

7. Cylinder

A solid figure with circular or oval cross-sections, characterized by two circular bases and parallel sides.

8. Ellipsoid

Formed by rotating an ellipse around its own axes.

9. Lemon

Created by rotating a circular arc on its major axis.

10. Hyperboloid

Produced by rotating a hyperbola in one of its principal axes.

11. Platonic Solids

Regular, convex polyhedrons with regular polygon faces. There are five types, including the Tetrahedron, with four faces.