Triangle vs. Square — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 9, 2024
A triangle has three sides and angles, making it simpler in shape, while a square boasts four equal sides and angles, representing stability and uniformity.
Difference Between Triangle and Square
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A triangle, defined by its three sides and three angles, is the simplest polygon, providing a strong structural shape used in engineering and architecture. Whereas, a square, with its four equal sides and right angles, is a symbol of balance and regularity, often used in design and planning for its symmetry.
Triangles can vary widely in appearance, with different types classified by sides (scalene, isosceles, equilateral) or angles (acute, right, obtuse), which affects their properties and uses. On the other hand, a square is a regular quadrilateral, meaning all sides and angles are equal, making it a special case with uniform properties.
The area of a triangle is calculated using the formula 1/2 * base * height, which necessitates knowing two dimensions and sometimes an angle, depending on the triangle type. Conversely, the area of a square is found by squaring the length of one of its sides, a simpler calculation due to its uniformity.
In terms of symmetry, a triangle can have at most one line of symmetry (in the case of an isosceles triangle) or none (in scalene), reflecting its potential for asymmetry. A square, however, has four lines of symmetry, underscoring its inherent balance and regularity.
While triangles are often used to demonstrate strength and stability in structures, utilizing their shape to distribute weight efficiently, squares are preferred for their ease of division and tiling, making them ideal for flooring and tiling applications.
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Comparison Chart
Sides
3, can be unequal or equal (in equilateral triangles)
4, always equal
Angles
Can vary; sum to 180 degrees
Always 90 degrees; sum to 360 degrees
Symmetry
Up to one line of symmetry
Four lines of symmetry
Area Calculation
1/2 * base * height
Side length squared
Types/Variations
Scalene, isosceles, equilateral; acute, right, obtuse
Only one, with all sides and angles equal
Compare with Definitions
Triangle
Can vary widely in appearance and properties.
An equilateral triangle has three sides of equal length.
Square
Facilitates easy division and tiling.
Tiles in the bathroom are square for easy installation and aesthetic appeal.
Triangle
Symbolizes stability and strength in structures.
Triangular trusses are used in bridge construction.
Square
Used in mathematics as a fundamental shape.
Calculating the area of a square is taught early in geometry.
Triangle
Used in geometry to study properties of various shapes.
A right-angled triangle has one 90-degree angle.
Square
A regular quadrilateral with four equal sides and angles.
The game board for chess is a square with equal-sized squares.
Triangle
Represents change or hazard in signs.
Warning signs on the road often have a triangular shape.
Square
Symbolizes equality and uniformity.
The square shape of the plot simplifies the design of the garden.
Triangle
A polygon with three edges and three vertices.
The Bermuda Triangle is a region shaped roughly like a triangle.
Square
Represents fairness and stability in cultural contexts.
The phrase fair and square denotes honesty and integrity.
Triangle
A triangle is a polygon with three edges and three vertices. It is one of the basic shapes in geometry.
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.
Triangle
The plane figure formed by connecting three points not in a straight line by straight line segments; a three-sided polygon.
Square
A plane figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles
A grid of ruled squares
Triangle
Something shaped like such a figure
A triangle of land.
Square
An open, typically four-sided, area surrounded by buildings in a village, town, or city
A market square
Leicester Square
Triangle
Any of various flat, three-sided drawing and drafting guides, used especially to draw straight lines at specific angles.
Square
The product of a number multiplied by itself
A circle's area is proportional to the square of its radius
Triangle
(Music) A percussion instrument consisting of a piece of metal in the shape of a triangle open at one angle.
Square
An L-shaped or T-shaped instrument used for obtaining or testing right angles
A carpenter's square
Triangle
A relationship involving three people, especially a ménage à trois.
Square
A person considered to be old-fashioned or boringly conventional in attitude or behaviour
Reg is such a square
Triangle
(geometry) A polygon with three sides and three angles. Category:en:Trigonometry
Square
A square meal
Three squares a day
Triangle
A set square.
Square
Having the shape or approximate shape of a square
A square table
Triangle
(music) A percussion instrument made by forming a metal rod into a triangular shape which is open at one angle. It is suspended from a string and hit with a metal bar to make a resonant sound.
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
Triangle
(cue sports) A triangular piece of equipment used for gathering the balls into the formation required by the game being played.
Square
At right angles; perpendicular
These lines must be square to the top and bottom marked edges
Triangle
A love triangle.
Square
Level or parallel
Place two pieces of wood one on top of the other, ensuring that they are exactly square
Triangle
(systemics) The structure of systems composed with three interrelated objects.
Square
(of two people) owing nothing to each other
An acknowledgement that we are square
Triangle
A draughtsman's square in the form of a right-angled triangle.
Square
Old-fashioned or boringly conventional
Elvis was anything but square
Triangle
A frame formed of three poles stuck in the ground and united at the top, to which people were bound when undergoing corporal punishment.
Square
(of rhythm) simple and straightforward.
Triangle
Any of various large papilionid butterflies of the genus Graphium.
Square
Directly; straight
The ball hit me square in the forehead
Triangle
(rail) A triangular formation of railway tracks, with a curve on at least one side.
Square
In a direction transversely across the field or pitch
The ball bounced almost square to the left
Triangle
A figure bounded by three lines, and containing three angles.
Square
Make square or rectangular; give a square or rectangular cross section to
You can square off the other edge
Triangle
An instrument of percussion, usually made of a rod of steel, bent into the form of a triangle, open at one angle, and sounded by being struck with a small metallic rod.
Square
Multiply (a number) by itself
5 squared equals 25
Triangle
A draughtsman's square in the form of a right-angled triangle.
Square
Make compatible; reconcile
I'm able to square my profession with my religious beliefs
Triangle
A kind of frame formed of three poles stuck in the ground and united at the top, to which soldiers were bound when undergoing corporal punishment, - now disused.
Square
Balance (an account)
Institutions are anxious to square their books before the election
Triangle
A small constellation situated between Aries and Andromeda.
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
Triangle
A three-sided polygon
Square
Secure the help or acquiescence of (someone), especially by offering an inducement
Trying to square the press
Triangle
Something approximating the shape of a triangle;
The coastline of Chile and Argentina and Brazil forms two legs of a triangle
Square
Pass (a ball) across the field, especially towards the centre.
Triangle
Any of various triangular drafting instruments used to draw straight lines at specified angles
Square
Set (a yard or other part of a ship) at right angles to the keel or other point of reference.
Triangle
A percussion instrument consisting of a metal bar bent in the shape of an open triangle
Square
(of a planet) have a square aspect with (another planet or position)
Saturn squares the Sun on the 17th
Square
A polygon having four equal sides and four equal angles.
Square
Something having an equal-sided rectangular form
A square of cloth.
Square
A T-shaped or L-shaped instrument for drawing or testing right angles.
Square
(Mathematics) The product obtained when a number or quantity is multiplied by itself
49 is the square of 7.
Square
(Games) Any of the quadrilateral spaces on a board, as in chess.
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 triangles considered strong shapes?
Triangles distribute weight and force efficiently, making them structurally strong.
How is a square different from other quadrilaterals?
A square has four equal sides and four right angles, making it a regular quadrilateral.
Can triangles and squares tessellate?
Yes, both shapes can tessellate, but squares do so with uniform gaps and edges.
What defines a triangle?
A triangle is defined by having three sides and three angles.
Can a square be a rectangle?
Yes, a square is a special type of rectangle where all sides are equal.
What makes a square symmetrical?
Its four equal sides and angles create four lines of symmetry.
How do you calculate the area of a triangle?
The area is calculated as 1/2 * base * height.
Are all triangles symmetrical?
No, only isosceles triangles have a line of symmetry; scalene triangles do not.
What types of triangles are there?
Triangles can be scalene, isosceles, or equilateral; acute, right, or obtuse.
What applications do squares have in real life?
Squares are used in design, architecture, and tiling due to their symmetry and ease of calculation.
Why might a triangle be preferred over a square in construction?
Triangles can offer greater structural strength and are used in trusses and bridges.
What is the sum of the angles in a triangle?
The sum of the angles in a triangle is always 180 degrees.
What is a right triangle?
A triangle with one 90-degree angle.
How does the shape of a triangle affect its properties?
The shape, determined by side lengths and angles, affects the triangle's symmetry, area calculation, and structural applications.
What is the sum of the angles in a square?
The sum of the angles in a square is 360 degrees.
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Written 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.
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.
