Square vs. Cube — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 19, 2024
A square is a 2D shape with four equal sides and angles, while a cube is a 3D object with six square faces.
Difference Between Square and Cube
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A square is a two-dimensional (2D) geometric figure characterized by four equal-length sides and four right angles. It is a special case of a rectangle and a rhombus. A cube, on the other hand, is a three-dimensional (3D) solid object bounded by six squares, making all of its faces, edges, and angles equal. While a square exists in a flat plane, a cube extends into three-dimensional space, having volume in addition to area.
The area of a square is calculated by squaring the length of one of its sides (A = side²), whereas the volume of a cube is determined by cubing the length of one of its edges (V = edge³). The concept of squaring is related to the square in that it involves multiplying a number by itself, just as the sides of a square are of equal length. Cubing, similarly, is related to the cube, involving a number multiplied by itself twice more, akin to the three equal dimensions of a cube.
In geometry, the square serves as a fundamental building block for many other shapes and figures, while the cube holds a similar status among three-dimensional solids, often used to introduce concepts of volume and surface area in 3D space.
Both squares and cubes are examples of regular shapes and solids, respectively, where regularity denotes that all sides and angles (in the case of a square) or all faces, edges, and angles (in the case of a cube) are congruent.
Comparison Chart
Dimensions
2D (Two-dimensional)
3D (Three-dimensional)
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Sides/Faces
4 sides
6 faces (all squares)
Angles
4 right angles (90 degrees each)
12 edges, 8 vertices, 90-degree angles
Area/Volume Calculation
Area (A) = side²
Volume (V) = edge³
Geometry Role
Fundamental 2D shape
Basic 3D solid
Regularity
All sides and angles are equal
All faces, edges, and angles are equal
Compare with Definitions
Square
Used in various mathematical and real-world applications.
Tiles for flooring are often square-shaped for ease of layout and design.
Cube
A solid figure with six congruent square faces.
Dice are commonly shaped as cubes, with each of the six faces showing a different number of dots.
Square
A quadrilateral with four equal sides and four right angles.
A chessboard is made up of 64 small squares.
Cube
Volume calculation is done by cubing the edge length.
A cubic container with an edge length of 3 meters can hold 27 cubic meters of water.
Square
Area calculation involves squaring the length of a side.
A square garden plot with each side measuring 4 feet has an area of 16 square feet.
Cube
Appears in various scientific, mathematical, and artistic contexts.
In architecture, cubic structures are often employed for their strength and symmetry.
Square
A symbol of balance and equality in geometric interpretations.
A town square is a central, open area in the shape of a square.
Cube
Represents solidity and three-dimensional space in symbolic contexts.
In many video games, cubes are used to represent building blocks for constructing 3D worlds.
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.
Cube
In geometry, a cube is a three-dimensional solid object bounded by six square faces, facets or sides, with three meeting at each vertex. The cube is the only regular hexahedron and is one of the five Platonic solids.
Square
A plane figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles
A grid of ruled squares
Cube
(Mathematics) A regular solid having six congruent square faces.
Square
An open, typically four-sided, area surrounded by buildings in a village, town, or city
A market square
Leicester Square
Cube
Something having the general shape of a cube
A cube of sugar.
Square
The product of a number multiplied by itself
A circle's area is proportional to the square of its radius
Cube
A cubicle, used for work or study.
Square
An L-shaped or T-shaped instrument used for obtaining or testing right angles
A carpenter's square
Cube
(Mathematics) The third power of a number or quantity.
Square
A person considered to be old-fashioned or boringly conventional in attitude or behaviour
Reg is such a square
Cube
Cubes(Slang) Cubic inches. Used especially of an internal combustion engine.
Square
A square meal
Three squares a day
Cube
(Mathematics) To raise (a quantity or number) to the third power.
Square
Having the shape or approximate shape of a square
A square table
Cube
To determine the cubic contents of.
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
Cube
To form or cut into cubes
The cook cubed some potatoes.
Square
At right angles; perpendicular
These lines must be square to the top and bottom marked edges
Cube
To tenderize (meat) by breaking the fibers with superficial cuts in a pattern of squares.
Square
Level or parallel
Place two pieces of wood one on top of the other, ensuring that they are exactly square
Cube
(geometry) A regular polyhedron having six identical square faces.
Square
(of two people) owing nothing to each other
An acknowledgement that we are square
Cube
Any object more or less in the form of a cube.
A sugar cube
A stock cube
Square
Old-fashioned or boringly conventional
Elvis was anything but square
Cube
(mathematics) The third power of a number, value, term or expression.
The cube of 2 is 8
Square
(of rhythm) simple and straightforward.
Cube
(computing) A data structure consisting of a three-dimensional array; a data cube
Square
Directly; straight
The ball hit me square in the forehead
Cube
A Rubik's cube style puzzle, not necessarily in the shape of a cube
Square
In a direction transversely across the field or pitch
The ball bounced almost square to the left
Cube
A cubicle, especially one of those found in offices.
My co-worker annoys me by throwing things over the walls of my cube.
Square
Make square or rectangular; give a square or rectangular cross section to
You can square off the other edge
Cube
To raise to the third power; to determine the result of multiplying by itself twice.
Three cubed can be written as 33, and equals twenty-seven.
Square
Multiply (a number) by itself
5 squared equals 25
Cube
(transitive) To form into the shape of a cube.
Square
Make compatible; reconcile
I'm able to square my profession with my religious beliefs
Cube
(transitive) To cut into cubes.
Cube the ham right after adding the curry to the rice.
Square
Balance (an account)
Institutions are anxious to square their books before the election
Cube
(intransitive) To use a Rubik's cube.
He likes to cube now and then.
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
Cube
A regular solid body, with six equal square sides.
Square
Secure the help or acquiescence of (someone), especially by offering an inducement
Trying to square the press
Cube
The product obtained by taking a number or quantity three times as a factor; as, 4x4=16, and 16x4=64, the cube of 4.
Square
Pass (a ball) across the field, especially towards the centre.
Cube
To raise to the third power; to obtain the cube of.
Square
Set (a yard or other part of a ship) at right angles to the keel or other point of reference.
Cube
A three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides
Square
(of a planet) have a square aspect with (another planet or position)
Saturn squares the Sun on the 17th
Cube
A hexahedron with six equal squares as faces
Square
A polygon having four equal sides and four equal angles.
Cube
The product of three equal terms
Square
Something having an equal-sided rectangular form
A square of cloth.
Cube
Any of several tropical American woody plants of the genus Lonchocarpus whose roots are used locally as a fish poison and commercially as a source of rotenone
Square
A T-shaped or L-shaped instrument for drawing or testing right angles.
Cube
A block in the (approximate) shape of a cube
Square
(Mathematics) The product obtained when a number or quantity is multiplied by itself
49 is the square of 7.
Cube
Raise to the third power
Square
(Games) Any of the quadrilateral spaces on a board, as in chess.
Cube
Cut into cubes;
Cube the cheese
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 are both squares and cubes considered 'regular'?
They are considered regular because all of their sides (in the case of a square) and faces, edges, and angles (in the case of a cube) are equal and congruent.
Can the principles of squares and cubes be applied in real-life situations?
Yes, squares and cubes are fundamental in various fields, including architecture, design, and spatial planning, where understanding dimensions and volumes is crucial.
How does the concept of squaring relate to a square?
Squaring a number (multiplying it by itself) is analogous to the way the area of a square is calculated, reflecting the equal lengths of a square's sides.
Can squares and cubes be used to understand higher dimensions?
Yes, concepts related to squares and cubes can help introduce and visualize higher-dimensional analogs, like tesseracts in four-dimensional space.
Is it possible to have a shape that is both a square and a cube?
In a theoretical sense, a square can be considered a 'cube' in two-dimensional space, but in strict geometric terms, they are distinct entities due to their dimensional differences.
How are squares and cubes represented in different cultures or symbolisms?
Squares often symbolize stability and order, while cubes can represent solidity, permanence, and the physical world.
Is every square also a cube?
No, a square is a two-dimensional shape, whereas a cube is a three-dimensional solid. They exist in different dimensions and cannot be interchangeably classified.
Can a cube be made up of rectangles instead of squares?
A cube specifically has square faces. A 3D solid with rectangular faces is called a rectangular prism or cuboid.
What is the significance of squares and cubes in mathematics?
They are crucial in geometry for teaching concepts of area, volume, symmetry, and in algebra for introducing quadratic and cubic functions.
How do the properties of squares and cubes differ in terms of angles?
All interior angles of a square are 90 degrees, while a cube has interior angles of 90 degrees at each vertex where three faces meet.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
