Oblong vs. Oval — What's the Difference?

Oblong shapes are geometric figures characterized by elongated straight sides and equal, parallel, rounded or angular ends. In contrast, an oval is a closed curve that resembles an elongated circle or an egg, without any straight sides. Both shapes are two-dimensional and often appear in design, art, and architecture, but they are different in terms of their defining features.

An oblong is essentially a rectangle that has been stretched or compressed at its opposite ends. It has parallel sides and its ends can be either rounded or angular. On the other hand, an oval has a continuously curved perimeter, and can be visualized as a circle that has been stretched or compressed along one or both axes. It has no straight sides or angles within its boundary.

In mathematical terms, oblong shapes can be easily described with length and width dimensions, as they are essentially modified rectangles. Ovals are a bit more complicated and are often defined using parametric equations, focusing on their curvature and aspect ratios. Both shapes can be symmetrical or asymmetrical depending on the dimensions and curve specifications, but oblong shapes usually have a symmetry axis along their length, while ovals can be symmetrical along both major and minor axes.

In practical terms, you might encounter oblong shapes in the form of tables, swimming pools, or even some fruits like watermelons. Ovals are commonly seen in racetracks, decorative frames, and also in fruits like mangoes or avocados. While both shapes are elongated, oblongs are more angular with straight sides, and ovals are more fluid with a continuous curve.