Rectangle vs. Rhombus — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on August 6, 2024
A rectangle has opposite sides equal and angles always 90 degrees, whereas a rhombus has all sides equal but typically non-right angles.
Difference Between Rectangle and Rhombus
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A rectangle is a four-sided polygon characterized by right angles and opposite sides that are equal. On the other hand, a rhombus is also a four-sided polygon but with all sides having equal length, and the angles are generally not right angles.
Both rectangles and rhombuses are types of parallelograms, which means their opposite sides are parallel. While a rectangle ensures all angles are 90 degrees, a rhombus focuses more on the equality of side lengths rather than angle consistency.
In terms of symmetry, a rectangle has both line and rotational symmetry (180 degrees), whereas a rhombus generally has only line symmetry unless it is a square (which is a type of both rectangle and rhombus).
A rectangle can be thought of as more regular in its angular structure, making it ideal for applications requiring right angles, like in construction and everyday objects. Conversely, a rhombus might be favored in various artistic designs and jewelry due to its more varied angles and diamond-like appearance.
Comparison Chart
Sides
Opposite sides equal
All sides equal
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Angles
Always 90 degrees
Generally not 90 degrees
Symmetry
Line and rotational symmetry
Only line symmetry unless it's a square
Common Uses
Construction, everyday objects
Artistic designs, jewelry
Area Formula
Length × Width
1/2 × Diagonal1 × Diagonal2
Compare with Definitions
Rectangle
A parallelogram with right angles.
The classroom's whiteboard is shaped like a rectangle.
Rhombus
A four-sided shape where all sides are of equal length.
Her favorite gemstone cut is a rhombus.
Rectangle
A shape with opposite sides equal and all angles ninety degrees.
Windows are typically designed as rectangles.
Rhombus
Appears frequently in tiling patterns due to its symmetry.
The floor was tiled with a pattern of rhombuses.
Rectangle
Seen in everyday objects like books and mobile phones.
Most books are rectangular.
Rhombus
When all angles are right, it becomes a square.
In a special case, a rhombus with right angles is also a square.
Rectangle
Often used in geometry to teach about area and perimeter.
Calculate the perimeter of the rectangle given its length and width.
Rhombus
Has diagonals that bisect each other at right angles.
The rhombus has diagonals that create four right triangles.
Rectangle
Can be squares if all sides are equal and angles are right.
A square is a special type of rectangle.
Rhombus
Often called a diamond due to its shape.
The kite looked like a giant rhombus in the sky.
Rectangle
In Euclidean plane geometry, a rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right angles. It can also be defined as: an equiangular quadrilateral, since equiangular means that all of its angles are equal (360°/4 = 90°); or a parallelogram containing a right angle.
Rhombus
In plane Euclidean geometry, a rhombus (plural rhombi or rhombuses) is a quadrilateral whose four sides all have the same length. Another name is equilateral quadrilateral, since equilateral means that all of its sides are equal in length.
Rectangle
A plane figure with four straight sides and four right angles, especially one with unequal adjacent sides, in contrast to a square.
Rhombus
A quadrilateral all of whose sides have the same length.
Rectangle
A four-sided plane figure with four right angles.
Rhombus
An equilateral parallelogram, especially one having oblique angles. Also called rhomb.
Rectangle
(geometry) Any quadrilateral having opposing sides parallel and four right angles.
Rhombus
(geometry) A parallelogram having all sides of equal length.
Rectangle
(nontechnical) Such a quadrilateral that is oblong (longer than it is wide): one that is not regular (equilateral), that is, any except a square.
Rhombus
The rhombus diamond, as one of the suits seen in a deck of playing cards (♦ or ♦).
Rectangle
A four-sided figure having only right angles; a right-angled parallelogram.
Rhombus
In early Greek religion, an instrument whirled on the end of a string similar to a bullroarer.
Rectangle
Rectangular.
Rhombus
Any of several flatfishes, including the brill and turbot, once considered part of the genus Rhombus, now in Scophthalmus.
Rectangle
A parallelogram with four right angles
Rhombus
Snails, now in genus Conus or family Conidae.
Rhombus
Same as Rhomb, 1.
Rhombus
A parallelogram with four equal sides; an oblique-angled equilateral parallelogram
Common Curiosities
Are all rhombuses rectangles?
No, not all rhombuses are rectangles because rhombuses do not necessarily have right angles.
What defines a rhombus?
A rhombus is defined by having all four sides of equal length, but unlike a rectangle, its angles are not necessarily 90 degrees.
Which shape is more general, a rectangle or a rhombus?
The rectangle is more general in terms of usage and familiarity in everyday objects, whereas a rhombus is more specific, often associated with artistic designs.
Can a rectangle be a rhombus?
Yes, a rectangle can be a rhombus if all its sides are of equal length, making it a square.
Do rectangles and rhombuses have the same type of symmetry?
Rectangles have line and rotational symmetry, while rhombuses generally only have line symmetry.
How do rectangles and rhombuses relate to parallelograms?
Both are types of parallelograms, with rectangles having right angles and rhombuses having equal side lengths.
Are squares considered rectangles or rhombuses?
Squares are considered as special cases of both rectangles and rhombuses because they fulfill the criteria for both shapes.
How do you calculate the area of a rectangle and a rhombus?
The area of a rectangle is calculated as length times width, whereas the area of a rhombus is half the product of its diagonals.
Which applications prefer rectangles?
Rectangles are preferred in construction and design of everyday objects due to their right angles and predictable dimensions.
What is a rectangle?
A rectangle is a four-sided shape with opposite sides equal and all angles at 90 degrees.
What is the main difference in the diagonals of a rectangle and a rhombus?
In a rectangle, diagonals are equal; in a rhombus, diagonals bisect each other at right angles and are not necessarily equal.
How does the symmetry of a square compare to that of a rectangle or rhombus?
A square has both line and rotational symmetry, surpassing the symmetry properties of general rectangles and rhombuses.
Where are rhombuses commonly used?
Rhombuses are commonly used in artistic and design contexts, such as in jewelry and decorative patterns.
Can the area formulas for rectangles and rhombuses be interchanged?
No, due to their structural differences, the area formulas for rectangles and rhombuses cannot be interchanged.
What is the significance of angles in rectangles and rhombuses?
The rectangle's right angles make it stable and predictable, while the rhombus's varied angles offer visual interest.
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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.
Co-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.
