Octagon vs. Hexagon — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 6, 2023
An octagon is a polygon with eight sides and eight angles, while a hexagon is a polygon with six sides and six angles.
Difference Between Octagon and Hexagon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An octagon is a geometric shape that features eight straight sides and eight angles. In a regular octagon, all sides and angles are equal. Hexagons, by contrast, have six sides and six angles, with regular hexagons also having all sides and angles equal. The key difference between an octagon and a hexagon is the number of sides and angles.
In an octagon, the interior angles sum up to 1080 degrees, considering it is a simple octagon without any self-intersecting lines. On the other hand, a hexagon, which also assumes to be simple, has interior angles that add up to 720 degrees. These mathematical properties distinguish an octagon from a hexagon significantly.
Each side of a regular octagon forms a 135-degree angle with the adjacent side, while in a regular hexagon, this angle is 120 degrees. This variance in angle degrees contributes to the different appearances and tiling possibilities of an octagon versus a hexagon.
From a symmetry perspective, a regular octagon has eight lines of symmetry, assuming all sides and angles are equal. In contrast, a regular hexagon has six lines of symmetry. The number of symmetry lines corresponds with the number of sides in each polygon.
In terms of tiling, a hexagon can tile a plane without any gaps or overlaps, which is known as tessellation. An octagon cannot tessellate by itself, but it can do so when accompanied by squares or other shapes. This property is often utilized in tiling floors and creating patterns in graphic design.
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Comparison Chart
Number of Sides
8 sides
6 sides
Number of Angles
8 angles
6 angles
Angle Measure
135° (regular octagon)
120° (regular hexagon)
Sum of Interior Angles
1080°
720°
Tessellation
Cannot tessellate alone
Can tessellate a plane
Compare with Definitions
Octagon
An eight-sided shape often used in architecture and design.
(The gazebo had an octagonal base, providing a 360-degree view.)
Hexagon
A six-sided polygon with six angles.
(The beehive cells were perfect examples of hexagons.)
Octagon
A figure with eight straight lines connecting to form eight vertices.
(He designed an octagonal frame for his artwork.)
Hexagon
A shape with six vertices and six straight sides.
(She cut out a paper hexagon to use in her geometry class.)
Octagon
A shape that can form complex tiling patterns when combined with squares.
(The tiles formed an intricate pattern with octagons and squares.)
Hexagon
A closed geometric figure prevalent in natural and human-made structures.
(The pavilion had a hexagonal design, mimicking natural forms.)
Octagon
A closed geometric figure with eight edges.
(Children were playing inside an octagonal sandbox.)
Hexagon
A polygon that tessellates naturally and is found in tiling floors.
(The bathroom floor was decorated with hexagonal tiles.)
Octagon
In geometry, an octagon (from the Greek ὀκτάγωνον oktágōnon, "eight angles") is an eight-sided polygon or 8-gon. A regular octagon has Schläfli symbol {8} and can also be constructed as a quasiregular truncated square, t{4}, which alternates two types of edges.
Hexagon
In geometry, a hexagon (from Greek ἕξ, hex, meaning "six", and γωνία, gonía, meaning "corner, angle") is a six-sided polygon or 6-gon. The total of the internal angles of any simple (non-self-intersecting) hexagon is 720°.
Octagon
A plane figure with eight straight sides and eight angles.
Hexagon
A plane figure with six straight sides and angles.
Octagon
A polygon with eight sides and eight angles.
Hexagon
A polygon with six sides and six angles.
Octagon
A polygon with eight sides and eight angles.
Hexagon
(geometry) A polygon with six sides and six angles.
Octagon
(martial arts) Often in the form Octagon: the arena for mixed martial arts.
Hexagon
A plane figure of six angles.
Octagon
A plane figure of eight sides and eight angles.
Hexagon
A six-sided polygon
Octagon
Any structure (as a fortification) or place with eight sides or angles.
Hexagon
An area bounded by six edges, forming part of a honeycomb.
(He drew a hexagon to represent a honeycomb cell in his science project.)
Octagon
An eight-sided polygon
Common Curiosities
Are all sides of a regular octagon equal?
Yes, in a regular octagon, all sides and angles are equal.
What are the angles of a regular hexagon?
A regular hexagon's interior angles are each 120 degrees.
What defines an octagon?
An octagon is defined as a polygon with eight sides and eight angles.
Is a hexagon capable of tessellation?
Yes, a hexagon can tessellate, meaning it can cover a plane without gaps or overlaps.
What is the sum of the interior angles of a hexagon?
The sum of the interior angles of a hexagon is 720 degrees.
What is the sum of the interior angles of an octagon?
The sum of the interior angles of an octagon is 1080 degrees.
How many sides does a hexagon have?
A hexagon has six sides.
Where are hexagons found in nature?
Hexagons are notably found in honeycomb structures in beehives.
Can octagons tessellate?
No, octagons cannot tessellate by themselves; they require other shapes to do so.
Do octagons have lines of symmetry?
Yes, a regular octagon has eight lines of symmetry.
What is an irregular hexagon?
An irregular hexagon has sides and angles that are not all equal.
What is the significance of an octagon in culture?
The octagon is often used in religious and cultural symbolism, representing renewal and transition.
How many lines of symmetry does a regular hexagon have?
A regular hexagon has six lines of symmetry.
Can an octagon be irregular?
Yes, if not all sides and angles are equal, it is considered an irregular octagon.
Are octagons commonly found in nature?
Octagons are less common in nature than hexagons but can be seen in some crystals and man-made objects.
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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.
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.
