Grid vs. Square — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
Grid refers to a network of intersecting parallel lines; square is a polygon with four equal sides and angles.
Difference Between Grid and Square
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A grid is typically a system of intersecting vertical and horizontal lines that create multiple squares or rectangles. This arrangement is often used in various contexts like maps, planning city layouts, or graphing data. On the other hand, a square is a specific shape in geometry, defined as a four-sided polygon where all sides are equal in length and all interior angles are right angles.
Grids serve as a fundamental element in designs and layouts, providing a structured and uniform framework to organize content or spatial elements. Whereas squares, as individual shapes, are often components of a grid but can stand alone as the basis for designs, symbols, and patterns.
In computational and mathematical contexts, grids are employed to construct and manipulate digital images, allocate spatial computing tasks, or model geographical areas. In contrast, squares are used in mathematical theorems and proofs, and are fundamental in defining concepts of area and perimeter.
Art and architecture often utilize grids as a tool for ensuring proportion and balance, facilitating complex compositions that are visually appealing. Conversely, squares can be the primary aesthetic element in artworks or architectural designs, symbolizing stability and formality.
Grids can also be dynamic, adjusting in size and proportion depending on their application, such as in responsive web design or urban planning. Meanwhile, the dimensions of a square are fixed, emphasizing uniformity and consistency across various uses.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A network of intersecting lines
A four-sided polygon with equal sides and angles
Usage
Layouts, mapping, design
Geometry, design, symbolism
Components
Lines, possibly forming squares or rectangles
Four equal sides, four right angles
Flexibility
Size and spacing can vary
Fixed dimensions
Symbolic Meaning
Structure, organization
Stability, equality
Compare with Definitions
Grid
Layout for graphical design.
She used a grid to layout her graphic project.
Square
Area measurement unit.
The room was ten square meters in area.
Grid
A framework of spaced bars.
The metal grid was used to reinforce the concrete.
Square
A quadrilateral with equal sides.
Each side of the square was exactly five meters.
Grid
Urban planning pattern.
The city’s streets were laid out in a strict grid pattern.
Square
Exact right angle.
The carpenter checked that the corners were square.
Grid
Coordinate system overlay.
The map was marked with a longitude and latitude grid.
Square
Public open space in a town.
They met at the central square for the concert.
Grid
A network of electrical lines.
The power outage affected the entire grid of the city.
Square
Being straightforward and direct.
He was square with his feedback during the meeting.
Grid
A framework of crisscrossed or parallel bars; a grating or mesh.
Square
In geometry, a square is a regular quadrilateral, which means that it has four equal sides and four equal angles (90-degree angles, or 100-gradian angles or right angles). It can also be defined as a rectangle in which two adjacent sides have equal length.
Grid
A cooking surface of parallel metal bars; a gridiron.
Square
A plane figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles
A grid of ruled squares
Grid
Something resembling a framework of crisscrossed parallel bars, as in rigidity or organization
The city's streets form a grid.
Square
An open, typically four-sided, area surrounded by buildings in a village, town, or city
A market square
Leicester Square
Grid
A pattern of regularly spaced horizontal and vertical lines forming squares on a map, a chart, an aerial photograph, or an optical device, used as a reference for locating points.
Square
The product of a number multiplied by itself
A circle's area is proportional to the square of its radius
Grid
An interconnected system for the distribution of electricity or electromagnetic signals over a wide area, especially a network of high-tension cables and power stations.
Square
An L-shaped or T-shaped instrument used for obtaining or testing right angles
A carpenter's square
Grid
A corrugated or perforated conducting plate in a storage battery.
Square
A person considered to be old-fashioned or boringly conventional in attitude or behaviour
Reg is such a square
Grid
(Football) The gridiron.
Square
A square meal
Three squares a day
Grid
(Sports) The starting positions of cars on a racecourse.
Square
Having the shape or approximate shape of a square
A square table
Grid
A rectangular array of squares or rectangles of equal size, such as in a crossword puzzle.
Square
Denoting a unit of measurement equal to the area of a square whose side is of the unit specified
30,000 square feet of new gallery space
Grid
A tiling of the plane with regular polygons; a honeycomb.
Square
At right angles; perpendicular
These lines must be square to the top and bottom marked edges
Grid
A system for delivery of electricity, consisting of various substations, transformers and generators, connected by wire.
Square
Level or parallel
Place two pieces of wood one on top of the other, ensuring that they are exactly square
Grid
(computing) A system or structure of distributed computers working mostly on a peer-to-peer basis, used mainly to solve single and complex scientific or technical problems or to process data at high speeds (as in clusters).
Square
(of two people) owing nothing to each other
An acknowledgement that we are square
Grid
(cartography) A method of marking off maps into areas.
Square
Old-fashioned or boringly conventional
Elvis was anything but square
Grid
(motor racing) The pattern of starting positions of the drivers for a race.
Square
(of rhythm) simple and straightforward.
Grid
(electronics) The third (or higher) electrode of a vacuum tube (triode or higher).
Square
Directly; straight
The ball hit me square in the forehead
Grid
(electricity) A battery-plate somewhat like a grating, especially a zinc plate in a primary battery, or a lead plate in a secondary or storage battery.
Square
In a direction transversely across the field or pitch
The ball bounced almost square to the left
Grid
A grating of parallel bars; a gridiron.
Square
Make square or rectangular; give a square or rectangular cross section to
You can square off the other edge
Grid
An openwork ceiling above the stage or studio, used for affixing lights etc.
Square
Multiply (a number) by itself
5 squared equals 25
Grid
To mark with a grid.
Square
Make compatible; reconcile
I'm able to square my profession with my religious beliefs
Grid
To assign a reference grid to.
Square
Balance (an account)
Institutions are anxious to square their books before the election
Grid
A grating of thin parallel bars, similar to a gridiron.
Square
Bring (one's shoulders) into a position in which they appear square and broad, typically to prepare oneself for a difficult task or event
Chin up, shoulders squared, she stepped into the room
Grid
A plate or sheet of lead with perforations, or other irregularities of surface, by which the active material of a secondary battery or accumulator is supported.
Square
Secure the help or acquiescence of (someone), especially by offering an inducement
Trying to square the press
Grid
A mesh or coil of fine wire in an electron tube, connected to the circuit so as to regulate the current passing through the tube.
Square
Pass (a ball) across the field, especially towards the centre.
Grid
Any network of crossing horizontal and vertical lines; - they are used, for example, as reference coordinates to locate objects or places on a map.
Square
Set (a yard or other part of a ship) at right angles to the keel or other point of reference.
Grid
Anything resembling a grid{4}, as the Manhattan street grid. See also gridlock.
Square
(of a planet) have a square aspect with (another planet or position)
Saturn squares the Sun on the 17th
Grid
A network of connected conductors for distributing electrical power, especially one using high-tension lines for wide geographic distribution of power; as, the Northeast power grid.
Square
A polygon having four equal sides and four equal angles.
Grid
The gridiron.
Square
Something having an equal-sided rectangular form
A square of cloth.
Grid
A system of high tension cables by which electrical power is distributed throughout a region
Square
A T-shaped or L-shaped instrument for drawing or testing right angles.
Grid
A network of horizontal and vertical lines that provide coordinates for locating points on an image
Square
(Mathematics) The product obtained when a number or quantity is multiplied by itself
49 is the square of 7.
Grid
An electrode placed between the cathode and anode of a vacuum tube to control the flow of electrons through the tube
Square
(Games) Any of the quadrilateral spaces on a board, as in chess.
Grid
A cooking utensil of parallel metal bars; used to grill fish or meat
Square
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.
Square
A rectangular space enclosed by streets and occupied by buildings; a block.
Square
The flower bud of a cotton plant, with three bracts surrounding the unopened flower in a pyramidal structure.
Square
(Slang) A person who is regarded as dull, rigidly conventional, and out of touch with current trends.
Square
Having four equal sides and four right angles.
Square
Forming a right angle.
Square
In alignment or flush
Put the paper square with the edge of the desk.
Square
Abbr. sq. Expressed in units measuring area
Square feet.
Square
Having a specified length in each of two equal dimensions
A room that is 12 feet square.
Square
Having a base that is a square
A square pyramid.
Square
(Nautical) Set at right angles to the mast and keel. Used of the yards of a square-rigged ship.
Square
Approximately rectangular and equilateral in cross section
A square house.
Square
Characterized by blocklike solidity or sturdiness.
Square
Honest; direct
A square answer.
Square
Just; equitable
A square deal.
Square
Having all accounts settled; even
I paid what I owed you, so we're square.
Square
(Sports) Even; tied.
Square
(Slang) Rigidly conventional; dull.
Square
To cut to a square or rectangular shape. Often used with off.
Square
To test or adjust for conformity to a desired plane, straight line, or right angle.
Square
To mark into squares. Often used with off.
Square
To bring into conformity or agreement
She could not square the request with her principles.
Square
To bring (oneself) into a better position or relation
He tried to square himself with his parents.
Square
To set straight or at approximate right angles
Square one's cap.
Square
To bring into balance; settle
Square a debt.
Square
(Sports) To even the score of
To square a game.
Square
To raise (a number or quantity) to the second power.
Square
To find a square equal in area to (the area of a given figure).
Square
(Informal) To bribe or fix
A party in litigation that tried to square the judge.
Square
(Mathematics) To be at right angles.
Square
To agree or conform
A story that doesn't square with the facts.
Square
(Mathematics) At right angles.
Square
In a square shape.
Square
In a solid manner; firmly.
Square
Directly; straight
Ran square into each other.
Square
In an honest, straightforward manner.
Square
(geometry) A polygon with four sides of equal length and four right angles; an equilateral rectangle; a regular quadrilateral.
Square
Something characterized by a square, or nearly square, form.
Square
A cell in a grid.
You may not move a piece to a square already occupied by one of your own pieces.
Square
A square piece, part, or surface.
A square of glass
Square
The front of a woman's dress over the bosom, usually worked or embroidered.
Square
(North America) A dessert cut into rectangular pieces, or a piece of such a dessert.
Square
(printing) A certain number of lines, forming a portion of a column, nearly square; used chiefly in reckoning the prices of advertisements in newspapers.
Column inch
Square
An L- or T-shaped tool used to place objects or draw lines at right angles.
Square
A true measure, standard, or pattern.
Square
An open space or park, often in the center of a town, not necessarily square in shape, often containing trees, seating and other features pleasing to the eye.
Square
A street surrounding a public square or plaza.
Square
(mathematics) The product of a number or quantity multiplied by itself; the second power of a number, value, term or expression.
64 is the square of 8.
Square
(military formation) A body of troops drawn up in a square formation.
Square
A socially conventional or conservative person; a person who has little or no interest in the latest fads or trends: still sometimes used in modern terminology.
Why do you always wear a tie? Don't be such a square!
Square
(British) The symbol # on a telephone; hash.
Enter your account number followed by a square.
Square
(cricket) The central area of a cricket field, with one or more pitches of which only one is used at a time.
An ideal playing area is roughly circular in shape with a central area, the cricket square, measuring 27.44 metres by 27.44 metres and boundaries 45.75 metres from the sides of the square.
Square
(real estate) A unit of measurement of area, equal to a 10 foot by 10 foot square, i.e. 100 square feet or roughly 9.3 square metres. Used in real estate for the size of a house or its rooms, though progressively being replaced by square metres in metric countries such as Australia.
Square
(roofing) A unit used in measuring roof area equivalent to 100 square feet (9.29 m²) of roof area. The materials for roofing jobs are often billed by the square in the United States.
Square
(academia) A mortarboard.
Square
Senseid|en|square meal elliptically}} {{ellipsis of square meal
Even when times were tough, we got three squares a day.
Square
(archaic) Exact proportion; justness of workmanship and conduct; regularity; rule.
Square
The relation of harmony, or exact agreement; equality; level.
Square
(astrology) The position of planets distant ninety degrees from each other; a quadrate.
Square
(dated) The act of squaring, or quarrelling; a quarrel.
Square
(slang) Cigarette.
Square
(brewing) A vat used for fermentation.
Square
A well-defined core of a human body, a flat section from the fundament to the thoracic diaphragm.
Square
Shaped like a square the polygon.
Square
Forming a right angle (90°).
A square corner
Square
(of box-shaped objects such as buildings or metal frames) Forming right angles in all planes as intended; not rack or leaning.
The foundation has to be level and the framing has to be square.
Square
(nautical) Forming right angles with the mast or the keel, and parallel to the horizon; said of the yards of a square-rigged vessel when they are so braced.
Square
Used in the names of units of area formed by multiplying a unit of length by itself.
Square metre
Square mile
Square
Honest; straightforward; fair.
I'm just looking for a square deal on my car repair.
Square dealing
Square
Satisfied; comfortable with; not experiencing any conflict.
Square
Even; tied
To make or leave the accounts square
The sides were square at the end of the half.
Square
Socially conventional; boring.
Square
(cricket) In line with the batsman's popping crease.
Square
Solid, decent, substantial.
It may be prison, but at least I'm getting three square meals a day.
Square
Having a shape broad for the height, with angular rather than curving outlines.
A man of a square frame
Square
Directly.
Square
(transitive) To adjust so as to align with or place at a right angle to something else; in particular:
The casting was mounted on a milling machine so that its sides could be squared.
Square
(nautical) To place at a right angle to the mast or keel.
To square the yards
Square
(rowing) To rotate the oars so that they are perpendicular to the water.
Square
(ambitransitive) To resolve or reconcile; to suit or fit.
John can square this question up for us.
These results just don't square with what we expected.
Square
(transitive) To adjust or adapt so as to bring into harmony with something.
I cannot square the results of the experiment with my hypothesis.
To square our actions by the opinions of others
Square
Of a value, term, or expression, to multiply by itself; to raise to the second power.
Square
To draw, with a pair of compasses and a straightedge only, a square with the same area as.
Square the circle
Square
To tile (completely fill) with squares.
Square
(soccer) To make a short low pass sideways across the pitch
Square
(archaic) To take opposing sides; to quarrel.
Square
To accord or agree exactly; to be consistent with; to suit; to fit.
Square
(obsolete) To go to opposite sides; to take an attitude of offense or defense, or of defiance; to quarrel.
Square
To take a boxing attitude; often with up or off.
Square
To form with four sides and four right angles.
Square
To form with right angles and straight lines, or flat surfaces.
To square mason's work
Square
To compare with, or reduce to, any given measure or standard.
Square
(astrology) To hold a quartile position respecting.
Square
The corner, or angle, of a figure.
Square
Hence, anything which is square, or nearly so
He bolted his food down his capacious throat in squares of three inches.
Square
A pane of glass.
Square
An area of four sides, generally with houses on each side; sometimes, a solid block of houses; also, an open place or area for public use, as at the meeting or intersection of two or more streets.
The statue of Alexander VII. stands in the large square of the town.
Square
An instrument having at least one right angle and two or more straight edges, used to lay out or test square work. It is of several forms, as the T square, the carpenter's square, the try-square., etc.
Square
Hence, a pattern or rule.
Square
The product of a number or quantity multiplied by itself; thus, 64 is the square of 8, for 8
Square
Exact proportion; justness of workmanship and conduct; regularity; rule.
They of Galatia [were] much more out of square.
I have not kept my square.
Square
A body of troops formed in a square, esp. one formed to resist a charge of cavalry; a squadron.
Square
Fig.: The relation of harmony, or exact agreement; equality; level.
We live not on the square with such as these.
Square
The position of planets distant ninety degrees from each other; a quadrate.
Square
The act of squaring, or quarreling; a quarrel.
Square
The front of a woman's dress over the bosom, usually worked or embroidered.
Square
Having four equal sides and four right angles; as, a square figure.
Square
Forming a right angle; as, a square corner.
Square
Having a shape broad for the height, with rectilineal and angular rather than curving outlines; as, a man of a square frame.
Square
Exactly suitable or correspondent; true; just.
She's a most triumphant lady, if report be square to her.
Square
Rendering equal justice; exact; fair; honest; as, square dealing.
Square
Even; leaving no balance; as, to make or leave the accounts square.
Square
Leaving nothing; hearty; vigorous.
By Heaven, square eaters.More meat, I say.
Square
At right angles with the mast or the keel, and parallel to the horizon; - said of the yards of a square-rigged vessel when they are so braced.
Square
To form with four equal sides and four right angles.
Square
To form with right angles and straight lines, or flat surfaces; as, to square masons' work.
Square
To compare with, or reduce to, any given measure or standard.
Square
To adjust; to regulate; to mold; to shape; to fit; as, to square our actions by the opinions of others.
Square my trialTo my proportioned strength.
Square
To make even, so as to leave no remainder or difference; to balance; as, to square accounts.
Square
To multiply by itself; as, to square a number or a quantity.
Square
To hold a quartile position respecting.
The icy Goat and Crab that square the Scales.
Square
To place at right angles with the keel; as, to square the yards.
Square
To accord or agree exactly; to be consistent with; to conform or agree; to suit; to fit.
No works shall find acceptance . . .That square not truly with the Scripture plan.
Square
To go to opposite sides; to take an attitude of offense or defense, or of defiance; to quarrel.
Are you such foolsTo square for this?
Square
To take a boxing attitude; - often with up, sometimes with off.
Square
(geometry) a plane rectangle with four equal sides and four right angles; a four-sided regular polygon;
You can compute the area of a square if you know the length of its sides
Square
The product of two equal terms;
Nine is the second power of three
Gravity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance
Square
An open area at the meeting of two or more streets
Square
Something approximating the shape of a square
Square
Someone who doesn't understand what is going on
Square
A formal and conservative person with old-fashioned views
Square
Any artifact having a shape similar to a plane geometric figure with four equal sides and four right angles;
A checkerboard has 64 squares
Square
A hand tool consisting of two straight arms at right angles; used to construct or test right angles;
The carpenter who built this room must have lost his square
Square
Raise to the second power
Square
Make square;
Square the circle
Square the wood with a file
Square
Cause to match, as of ideas or acts
Square
Position so as to be square;
He squared his shoulders
Square
Be compatible with;
One idea squares with another
Square
Pay someone and settle a debt;
I squared with him
Square
Turn the paddle; in canoeing
Square
Turn the oar, while rowing
Square
Having four equal sides and four right angles or forming a right angle;
A square peg in a round hole
A square corner
Square
Leaving no balance;
My account with you is now all square
Square
Characterized by honesty and fairness;
A square deal
Wanted to do the square thing
Square
Without evasion or compromise;
A square contradiction
He is not being as straightforward as it appears
Square
Rigidly conventional or old-fashioned
Square
In a straight direct way;
Looked him squarely in the eye
Ran square into me
Square
With honesty and fairness;
Dealt squarely with his customers
Always treated me square
Square
In a square shape;
A squarely cut piece of paper
Folded the sheet of paper square
Square
Firmly and solidly;
Hit the ball squarely
The bat met the ball squarely
Planted his great bulk square before his enemy
Common Curiosities
Why is the square considered a fundamental shape in geometry?
Because it has properties of equal sides and angles that make it a basis for defining area and other measurements.
Can a grid consist of shapes other than squares?
Yes, grids can consist of rectangles or other polygonal configurations, not just squares.
Is a square always part of a grid?
Not necessarily; a square can exist independently without being part of a grid structure.
What is the main difference between a grid and a square?
A grid is a network of intersecting lines, possibly forming squares, while a square is a specific polygon with four equal sides and right angles.
How do grids help in digital image creation?
Grids assist in pixel arrangement and manipulation, crucial for digital imaging and graphics.
How does a grid aid in urban planning?
Grids help in evenly distributing roads and plots, ensuring efficient use of space and ease of navigation.
Can the concept of a square be used in everyday language?
Yes, describing something as "square" can mean it’s direct, honest, or traditional.
How do squares contribute to architectural design?
Squares can dictate form and symmetry, often influencing the aesthetic and structural elements of a building.
What are the mathematical properties of a square?
All sides equal, angles of 90 degrees, and symmetrical about its diagonals.
What symbolizes a grid in cultural contexts?
A grid often symbolizes structure, order, and rationality in various cultural depictions.
Are all grids orthogonal?
While many grids are orthogonal, consisting of perpendicular lines, some grids can have non-orthogonal configurations.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited 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.
