Naming 2D Shapes

Practise naming flat shapes — just look at the picture and tap the right name.

Grades K–4 · 2.G⚡ Geometry
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How shapes are named

Most flat (2-D) shapes are named by their number of sides. Learn the side counts and naming becomes automatic — a circle is the odd one out, with no straight sides at all.

  1. 3 sides: triangle.
  2. 4 sides: square or rectangle (all-equal vs two pairs).
  3. 5, 6, 8 sides: pentagon, hexagon, octagon.
  4. No straight sides: circle.

Worked examples

By counting sidesA shape with five equal sides is a pentagon (‘penta’ means five).
Square vs rectangleFour sides with all of them equal is a square; four sides with two long and two short is a rectangle.
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Tips & common mistakes

The Greek number prefixes are the trick: tri (3), penta (5), hexa (6), octa (8) — think octopus for eight. Count the sides, then name it. Tap the name shown.

  • Calling every four-sided shape a square — a rectangle has two pairs of equal sides.
  • Mixing up pentagon (5) and hexagon (6).
  • Judging by size or color instead of counting sides.

Frequently asked questions

How are shapes named?

Mostly by their number of sides: 3 is a triangle, 5 a pentagon, 6 a hexagon, 8 an octagon. A circle has no straight sides.

What’s the difference between a square and a rectangle?

A square has four equal sides; a rectangle has two pairs of equal sides. Every square is also a special rectangle.

How many sides does a hexagon have?

Six. A pentagon has five and an octagon has eight — think of an octopus’s eight legs.

What grade is naming shapes?

Basic shapes start in kindergarten; polygons with more sides come through grade 4.

Is a circle a polygon?

No — a polygon is made of straight sides, and a circle is a single curved line.

Keep practising

← GeometryAnglesPerimeterKindergarten math

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