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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Mathematics » Difference Between 2D Shape and 3D Geometric Shape

Difference Between 2D Shape and 3D Geometric Shape

Objects in our environment can be found in a wide range of forms and dimensions. In general, we can observe geometric figures such as squares, triangles, and circles in the environment all around us.

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Objects in our environment can be found in a wide range of forms and dimensions. In general, we can observe geometric figures such as squares, triangles, and circles in the environment all around us. In addition, the only dimensions that shapes like a sheet of paper have are their length and breadth. Consequently, these types of shapes are referred to as 2D or two-dimensional. While other shapes, like that of a house, have length, width, and height, the shape of a house does not. Consequently, these types of shapes are referred to as 3D or three-dimensional. Let’s get more familiar with 2D and 3D shapes today!

2D Shapes

In the field of geometry, a two-dimensional shape is a shape or figure that has both a length and a breadth. To put it another way, something is said to be two-dimensional if it possesses only length and width dimensions. The sides of this shape can be drawn with either straight or curved lines. These figures can also have any number of sides that you want. In geometry, the term “polygon” refers to any plane figure that is constructed using lines. Polygons include things like squares and triangles, for instance.

A two-dimensional object cannot be physically held because it does not have any depth; a two-dimensional shape is completely flat. A two-dimensional, closed, or flat plane shape is referred to as a 2D shape. Another name for plane shapes is 2D shapes. For instance, the shape of a sheet of paper only exists in two dimensions. It is only possible in two dimensions, namely length and breadth, but not in the depth or height dimensions.

3D Shapes

In geometry, a solid figure or an item or shape with three dimensions (length, breadth, and height) is referred to as a three-dimensional shape. In other words, a three-dimensional shape has length, width, and height. Throughout the course of a typical day, we encounter a number of objects in our environment that exhibit a variety of shapes. For instance, books, balls, ice cream cones, and so on and so forth. The fact that each of these objects has some dimension of length, breadth, height, or depth is something that they all have in common. As a result, they are referred to as 3D shapes because they have all three dimensions. The term “dimensional” refers to the third dimension. The space that is occupied by 3D shapes. In a world that contains three dimensions, it is possible to move in any of the following directions: forward, backward, right, left, and even up and down.

Comparison of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes

These two concepts belong to the discipline of geometry. The study of a variety of shapes is what we mean when we refer to geometry. It can be broken down into two primary categories: plane geometry (also known as two-dimensional shapes) and solid geometry (3D shapes). In this piece, we will examine the key distinctions between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. But before we get into that, let’s get a better understanding of both of these.

As a result of its focus on flat figures, plane geometry is also referred to as two-dimensional geometry. This is due to the fact that these figures can be easily drawn on a piece of paper. Curves, lines, quadrilaterals, polygons, and other geometrical shapes are all examples of such figures. On the other hand, the study of solid geometry, which deals with three-dimensional or solid shapes, is also referred to as three-dimensional geometry. Cones, cylinders, spheres, and other similar figures are all examples of such figures.

It’s possible that you, or the kids in your class, are confused about the distinctions between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. Given how difficult it can be to comprehend what dimensions are and what they signify, this is an extremely pertinent inquiry to ask.

It is possible to measure an object in space in three different ways if the object has three dimensions. You are able to determine the length, width, and height of three-dimensional objects.

Therefore, in contrast to 2D shapes, 3D shapes do not have a flat surface; rather, they have depth. Our 3D Shapes Teaching Wiki page contains additional information that can be read about these shapes. You will be able to learn a lot more about 3D shapes here, which will be of great assistance to you when attempting to comprehend the distinctions that exist between 2D and 3D shapes.

However, children should keep in mind that the primary distinction between shapes that exist in two dimensions and those that exist in three dimensions is the dimensions themselves. Two dimensions are present in a shape that is referred to as 2D, while three dimensions are present in a shape that is referred to as 3D.

Conclusion

In the field of geometry, a two-dimensional shape is a shape or figure that has both a length and a breadth. To put it another way, something is said to be two-dimensional if it possesses only length and width dimensions.In geometry, a solid figure or an item or shape with three dimensions (length, breadth, and height) is referred to as a three-dimensional shape. In other words, a three-dimensional shape has length, width, and height. In contrast to 2D shapes, 3D shapes do not have a flat surface; rather, they have depth. Our 3D Shapes Teaching Wiki page contains additional information that can be read about these shapes. You will be able to learn a lot more about 3D shapes here, which will be of great assistance to you when attempting to comprehend the distinctions that exist between 2D and 3D shapes.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the JEE Examination Preparation.

What do you mean by "2D shapes"?

Answer: 2D is an abbreviation for “two-dimensional.” The length an...Read full

What exactly are some examples of 2D shapes?

Answer: The term “2D shapes” refers to any and all shapes that can...Read full

How many number of shapes are in two dimensions? Give an example or two of each.

Answer: The triangle, the square, the rectangle, the polygon, the pentagon, th...Read full

What are the characteristics of two-dimensional shapes?

Answer: 2D shape does not have any properties that are fixed. Because every sh...Read full

Can two-dimensional shapes be held in the hand?

Answer: No, we are not able to hold 2D shapes because they are drawn on a flat...Read full

Answer: 2D is an abbreviation for “two-dimensional.” The length and width are the only two dimensions that are present in 2-dimensional shapes because they are flat. They come in a variety of shapes such as squares, rectangles, circles, and triangles, among others.

Answer: The term “2D shapes” refers to any and all shapes that can be flattened out and laid out on a piece of paper or any other mathematical plane. Drawings of squares, triangles, and circles are the most typical examples of 2D shapes, and most people start drawing them when they are children. In addition, two-dimensional shapes can be found in every region of the world.

Answer: The triangle, the square, the rectangle, the polygon, the pentagon, the hexagon, the heptagon, the octagon, the nonagon, and the decagon are some of the most common types of 2D shapes. However, there are an infinite number of shapes that continue on from the triangle all the way up to the n-gon, where n is the number of sides.

Answer: 2D shape does not have any properties that are fixed. Because every shape has a unique number of sides, the properties of each shape are distinct from one another. However, every shape in two dimensions is flat and has a boundary around it.

Answer: No, we are not able to hold 2D shapes because they are drawn on a flat surface, such as a piece of paper or card, which precludes this possibility. Despite the fact that you cannot physically grasp 2D shapes. In addition, these flats are not flat because, once stacked, they have height and can be held in one’s hand; therefore, they cannot be considered flat.

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