Difference between 2D Shape and 3D Shape
Shapes are fundamental elements of geometry and can be broadly classified into two categories: 2D shapes and 3D shapes.
The main difference between 2D Shape and 3D Shape is that 2D shapes have only two dimensions – length and width, while 3D shapes have an additional dimension – depth or height.
Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are 2D Shape and 3D Shape:
- 2D Shape: A 2D shape is a flat figure that has length and width, but no depth. It is like a drawing on a piece of paper that can be measured from side to side and top to bottom, but not front to back.
- 3D Shape: A 3D shape is a solid object that has length, width, and depth. It is like a toy block that can be measured from side to side, top to bottom, and front to back. It takes up space in the real world.
Now, let’s move to 2D Shape vs 3D Shape:
Major differences between 2D Shape and 3D Shape
| 2D Shape | 3D Shape |
|---|---|
| 2D shapes only have two dimensions – length and width, | 3D shapes have three dimensions – length, width, and height. |
| 2D shapes are flat and can only be viewed from one perspective, | 3D shapes are solid and can be viewed from different perspectives. |
| In 2D shapes, we can only calculate area, | In 3D shapes, we can calculate both surface area and volume. |
| 2D shapes can be drawn on a flat surface such as paper, | 3D shapes exist in the space around us and cannot be fully represented on flat surfaces. |
| Examples of 2D shapes include squares, circles, and triangles, | Examples of 3D shapes include cubes, spheres, and pyramids. |
That’s it.
Note that sometimes, the question might also be asked as “distinguish between 2D Shape and 3D Shape”.
Also see:
- Difference between 2D Graphics and 3D Graphics
- Difference between 2D Echo and ECG
- Difference between 2D Animation and 3D Animation
Final words
Understanding the difference between 2D and 3D shapes is crucial for grasping the basics of geometry and spatial reasoning.
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