Difference Between 2D And 3D Shapes With Examples

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What Is A Two Dimensional (2D) Shape?

A two-dimensional shape can be described as a flat plane figure or a shape that has length and width but no depth. Two-dimensional or 2-D shapes do not have any thickness and can be measured in only two faces.

Examples of two-dimensional shapes:

  • Circle
  • Square
  • Triangle
  • Rhombus
  • Rectangle
  • Pentagon
  • Octagon etc

Facts About 2D Shapes

  • A 2D shape has two dimensions, that is, Length and Breadth whereas curved shapes such as circles and ellipse have radii.
  • 2D shapes are used to give simple view of an object.
  • In mathematics and physics, a 2D figure is plotted on two axes, that is, the X- and Y-axes.
  • In 2D shapes, all the edges are clearly visible.
  • 2D shapes are easy to explain due to the visibility of all its edges.
  • Detailing 2D shapes is easy.
  • It is easy to draw 2D shapes.
  • Area, perimeter can be found for these shapes.
  • Examples of 2D shapes include: Circle, Square, Rectangle or any other polygon etc.
2D-Shapes

What Is A Three Dimensional (3D) Shape?

A three-dimensional shape can be described as a solid figure or an object or shape that has three dimensions-length, width and height. Unlike two-dimensional shapes, three-dimensional shapes have thickness or depth.  The attributes of a three-dimensional figure are faces, edges and vertices. The three dimensions compose the edges of a 3D geometric s shape.

Examples of three-dimensional shapes:

  • Cube
  • Rectangular prism
  • Sphere
  • Cone
  • Triangular prism
  • Cylinder
  • Tube

Facts About 3D Shapes

  • A 3D shape has three dimensions, that is, Length, Breadth and Height or Depth.
  • 3D shapes are used to give architectural view of an object.
  • In mathematics and Physics, a 3D figure is plotted on three axes, that is, the X-, Y- and Z-axes.
  • In 3D shapes, not all edges are clearly visible; some of the edges are hidden.
  •  In 3D shapes, only outer dimensions can be explained.
  • Detailing becomes difficult in 3D shapes.
  • 3D shapes are complex in drawing.
  • We can calculate their volume, CSA, LSA or TSA.
  • Examples of 3D shapes include: Cylinder, Prism, Tube, Cuboid etc.
3D-Shapes

Also Read: Difference Between Length And Width

Difference Between 2D And 3D Shapes In Tabular Form

BASIS OF COMPARISON 2D SHAPES 3D SHAPES
Description A 2D shape has two dimensions, that is, Length and Breadth.   A 3D shape has three dimensions, that is, Length, Breadth and Height or Depth.  
Common Use 2D shapes are used to give simple view of an object.   3D shapes are used to give architectural view of an object.  
Plotting A 2D figure is plotted on two axes, that is, the X- and Y-axes.   A 3D figure is plotted on three axes, that is, the X-, Y- and Z-axes.  
Visibility Of Edges In 2D shapes, all the edges are clearly visible.   In 3D shapes, not all edges are clearly visible; some of the edges are hidden.  
Explanation 2D shapes are easy to explain due to the visibility of all its edges.   In 3D shapes, only outer dimensions can be explained.  
Detailing Detailing 2D shapes is easy.   Detailing becomes difficult in 3D shapes.  
Complexity It is easy to draw 2D shapes.   3D shapes are complex in drawing.  
Examples Circle, Square, Rectangle or any other polygon etc.   Cylinder, Prism, Tube, Cuboid etc.

Also Read: Difference Between Convex And Concave Lens