Face, edge, vertex
Three words to know to describe any 3D shape:
- A face: a flat (or curved) surface of the shape.
- An edge: the line where two faces meet.
- A vertex: the point where several edges meet (a "corner").
A cube: 6 square faces, 12 edges, 8 vertices
3D shapes to know
- The cube: 6 identical square faces (a dice).
- The cuboid (rectangular prism): 6 rectangular faces, matching in opposite pairs (a shoebox).
- The cylinder: 2 circular faces (the bases) joined by a curved surface (a tin can).
- The pyramid: a base (often square) and triangular faces that meet at a single vertex.
- The cone: a circular base and a curved surface that comes to a point (an ice cream cone).
- The sphere: a perfect ball, with no flat face, no edge, no vertex.
Faces, edges and vertices by shape
| Shape | Faces | Edges | Vertices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube | 6 | 12 | 8 |
| Cuboid | 6 | 12 | 8 |
| Square-based pyramid | 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Cylinder | 2 + 1 curved | 0 | 0 |
The net of a shape
A net is the flattened-out drawing of all the faces of a 3D shape, arranged so they can be cut out and folded to rebuild the shape in 3D. The most famous net is the cube's: a "cross" of 6 squares.
To check a net matches a given shape, count the number of faces (it should match) and imagine the folding: the faces that touch once folded must have the right shape and size.
Mistakes to avoid
- Confusing a 3D shape with a flat shape: a square is a flat (2D) shape, a cube is a 3D shape.
- Mixing up face and edge when counting the parts of a shape.
- Thinking a cube and a square are the same thing (a square is just ONE face of the cube).
- Forgetting that a sphere has no flat face, no edge, no vertex.
Worked exercises
How many faces does a cube have?
Which shape has a circular base and comes to a point?
How many vertices does a square-based pyramid have?
Now it's your turn!
On EasyMaths, your child practises recognising 3D shapes and their properties with kind marking, for free.
Start the exercises →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a face, an edge and a vertex?
A face is a flat surface of the shape. An edge is the line where two faces meet. A vertex is the point where several edges meet.
What is the difference between a cube and a cuboid?
A cube has 6 identical square faces. A cuboid has 6 rectangular faces, matching in opposite pairs, but not necessarily square.
What is a net?
A net is the flattened-out drawing of all the faces of a 3D shape, which can be cut out and folded to build the shape in 3D.