Cubed vs. Squared — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 13, 2024
Cubed numbers are raised to the power of three emphasizing volume in three dimensions, while squared numbers are raised to the power of two relating to area in two dimensions.
Difference Between Cubed and Squared
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
When a number is cubed, it is multiplied by itself three times. This is commonly used to calculate the volume of cubes and in equations involving three-dimensional space. On the other hand, squaring a number involves multiplying it by itself once which is pivotal in finding the area of squares and working within two-dimensional contexts.
In geometric terms, cubed results are used to express volumes, such as cubic meters or cubic feet. This demonstrates how cubing extends into physical three-dimensional space. Conversely, squared figures are typically used to denote areas, such as square meters or square feet, reflecting their relevance in two-dimensional spaces.
When considering growth patterns, functions involving cubed terms exhibit faster growth rates as x increases, which is significant in advanced mathematics and physics for modeling exponential growth scenarios. Squared functions grow at a slower pace, commonly seen in parabolic graphs, important in basic physics and architecture.
Comparison Chart
Rate of Increase
Exponential growth
Linear growth
Common Uses
Volumes in geometry, complex equations
Areas, basic algebraic equations
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Graph Shape
Steeper curve, faster increase
Parabolic, slower increase
Compare with Definitions
Cubed
Used to calculate volume.
The volume is calculated by cubing the side length.
Squared
Used to calculate area.
The area is calculated by squaring the side length.
Cubed
Appears in physics for energy calculations.
The energy equation uses cubed speed.
Squared
Essential in geometry for defining space.
To determine the field area, square the length.
Cubed
Raised to the third power.
The cube of 3 is 27.
Squared
A polygon having four equal sides and four equal angles.
Cubed
(Mathematics) The third power of a number or quantity.
Squared
Something having an equal-sided rectangular form
A square of cloth.
Cubed
(Mathematics) A regular solid having six congruent square faces.
Squared
A T-shaped or L-shaped instrument for drawing or testing right angles.
Cubed
Something having the general shape of a cube
A cube of sugar.
Squared
(Mathematics) The product obtained when a number or quantity is multiplied by itself
49 is the square of 7.
Cubed
A cubicle, used for work or study.
Squared
(Games) Any of the quadrilateral spaces on a board, as in chess.
Cubed
Cubes(Slang) Cubic inches. Used especially of an internal combustion engine.
Squared
Abbr. Sq. An open, usually four-sided area at the intersection of two or more streets, often planted with grass and trees for use as a park.
Cubed
(Mathematics) To raise (a quantity or number) to the third power.
Squared
A rectangular space enclosed by streets and occupied by buildings; a block.
Cubed
To determine the cubic contents of.
Squared
The flower bud of a cotton plant, with three bracts surrounding the unopened flower in a pyramidal structure.
Cubed
To form or cut into cubes
The cook cubed some potatoes.
Squared
(Slang) A person who is regarded as dull, rigidly conventional, and out of touch with current trends.
Cubed
To tenderize (meat) by breaking the fibers with superficial cuts in a pattern of squares.
Squared
Having four equal sides and four right angles.
Cubed
Simple past tense and past participle of cube
Squared
Forming a right angle.
Cubed
(mathematics) Raised to the third power.
Squared
In alignment or flush
Put the paper square with the edge of the desk.
Squared
Abbr. sq. Expressed in units measuring area
Square feet.
Squared
Having a specified length in each of two equal dimensions
A room that is 12 feet square.
Squared
Having a base that is a square
A square pyramid.
Squared
(Nautical) Set at right angles to the mast and keel. Used of the yards of a square-rigged ship.
Squared
Approximately rectangular and equilateral in cross section
A square house.
Squared
Characterized by blocklike solidity or sturdiness.
Squared
Honest; direct
A square answer.
Squared
Just; equitable
A square deal.
Squared
Having all accounts settled; even
I paid what I owed you, so we're square.
Squared
(Sports) Even; tied.
Squared
(Slang) Rigidly conventional; dull.
Squared
To cut to a square or rectangular shape. Often used with off.
Squared
To test or adjust for conformity to a desired plane, straight line, or right angle.
Squared
To mark into squares. Often used with off.
Squared
To bring into conformity or agreement
She could not square the request with her principles.
Squared
To bring (oneself) into a better position or relation
He tried to square himself with his parents.
Squared
To set straight or at approximate right angles
Square one's cap.
Squared
To bring into balance; settle
Square a debt.
Squared
(Sports) To even the score of
To square a game.
Squared
To raise (a number or quantity) to the second power.
Squared
To find a square equal in area to (the area of a given figure).
Squared
(Informal) To bribe or fix
A party in litigation that tried to square the judge.
Squared
(Mathematics) To be at right angles.
Squared
To agree or conform
A story that doesn't square with the facts.
Squared
(Mathematics) At right angles.
Squared
In a square shape.
Squared
In a solid manner; firmly.
Squared
Directly; straight
Ran square into each other.
Squared
In an honest, straightforward manner.
Squared
Simple past tense and past participle of square
Squared
(geometry) Covered with a grid of squares.
Squared
(mathematics) Raised to the second power.
Squared
Having been made square
Squared
Raised to the second power.
The square of 5 is 25.
Common Curiosities
How is squaring a number different from cubing?
Squaring multiplies a number by itself once, while cubing multiplies it three times.
Is squaring relevant in everyday math?
Yes, squaring is often used in everyday calculations, such as computing area.
Why is cubing used more in physics?
Cubing often relates to three-dimensional concepts like volume and energy, which are common in physics.
How does the rate of increase compare between cubing and squaring?
Cubing increases a number's value faster than squaring.
What does it mean to cube a number?
Cubing a number means multiplying it by itself three times.
Can both squaring and cubing be represented graphically?
Yes, squaring forms a parabola, while cubing creates a more steeply curving graph.
What is the square of 3?
The square of 3 is 9.
In which fields is cubing particularly important?
Cubing is crucial in geometry, physics, and higher mathematics.
What is the cube of 2?
The cube of 2 is 8.
What mathematical operations are simpler with squaring than with cubing?
Basic algebraic operations and solutions tend to be simpler with squaring than with the more complex cubing.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
