Cubicle vs. Cube — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 24, 2024
A cubicle is a small, enclosed office space typically separated by partitions, while a cube can refer to a three-dimensional square or an informal term for a cubicle.
Difference Between Cubicle and Cube
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A cubicle, often found in modern office environments, is designed to provide a semi-private working space using partitions that typically don’t reach the ceiling. Cube, in a similar office context, is slang for cubicle, though it may also refer to a geometric figure with six square faces.
While cubicles are intended to maximize office floor space by housing multiple employees in personal areas with some degree of isolation, cubes as geometric figures are purely mathematical, characterized by uniformity in all dimensions—height, width, and depth.
When people use 'cube' to describe a cubicle, they usually imply a very standard, sometimes cramped workspace, reflecting the uniform and boxy nature of the geometric cube.
Cubicles often feature work essentials like desks, shelves, and filing cabinets, fitted within their partitions to create a functional office environment. Conversely, a mathematical cube’s purpose is more abstract, serving as a fundamental concept in geometry and various scientific applications.
Cubicles can vary slightly in size and configuration depending on the design needs of an office, whereas the dimensions of a geometric cube are always equal, highlighting a stark contrast in versatility and application.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A partitioned section of an office space.
A three-dimensional geometric figure with equal sides.
Usage Context
Office environments.
Mathematics, science, and informal office slang.
Physical Characteristics
Partitions of varying heights, often with workspace utilities.
Six equal square faces, meeting at right angles.
Connotation
Practical, space-efficient.
Mathematical, standard, sometimes constrictive in office slang.
Variability
Size and layout can vary.
Always has equal dimensions in geometry.
Compare with Definitions
Cubicle
A small area in an office separated by partitions.
She decorated her cubicle with personal items to make it feel homier.
Cube
A three-dimensional solid object with six square faces.
She used a cube in her presentation to explain three-dimensional geometry.
Cubicle
A temporary workstation in a professional setting.
During the conference, temporary cubicles were set up for staff.
Cube
In mathematics, the result of multiplying a number by itself twice.
The cube of 3 is 27.
Cubicle
A semi-private workspace for one person.
His cubicle is right next to the window, giving him a nice view.
Cube
A piece of something solid in a cube shape.
He added ice cubes to the drink to cool it down.
Cubicle
An office setup designed to maximize space.
The new office layout features an open plan without cubicles.
Cube
Informal term for a cubicle.
I’ll meet you by your cube after the meeting.
Cubicle
A partition-based work area.
They rearranged the cubicles to create more space in the center.
Cube
A compact, cube-shaped product.
The new cube-shaped packaging is innovative and saves space.
Cubicle
A cubicle is a partially enclosed office workspace that is separated from neighboring workspaces by partitions that are usually 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) tall. Its purpose is to isolate office workers and managers from the sights and noises of an open workspace so that they may concentrate with fewer distractions.
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.
Cubicle
A small compartment, as for work or study.
Cube
(Mathematics) A regular solid having six congruent square faces.
Cubicle
A small sleeping compartment, especially within a dormitory.
Cube
Something having the general shape of a cube
A cube of sugar.
Cubicle
A small separate part or one of the compartments of a room, especially in a work environment.
Most libraries provide cubicles for quiet study.
Cube
A cubicle, used for work or study.
Cubicle
A small enclosure at a swimming pool etc. used to provide personal privacy when changing.
Cube
(Mathematics) The third power of a number or quantity.
Cubicle
A small enclosure in a public toilet for individual use.
Cube
Cubes(Slang) Cubic inches. Used especially of an internal combustion engine.
Cubicle
A loding room; esp., a sleeping place partitioned off from a large dormitory.
Cube
(Mathematics) To raise (a quantity or number) to the third power.
Cubicle
Small room is which a monk or nun lives
Cube
To determine the cubic contents of.
Cubicle
Small individual study area in a library
Cube
To form or cut into cubes
The cook cubed some potatoes.
Cubicle
Small area set off by walls for special use
Cube
To tenderize (meat) by breaking the fibers with superficial cuts in a pattern of squares.
Cube
(geometry) A regular polyhedron having six identical square faces.
Cube
Any object more or less in the form of a cube.
A sugar cube
A stock cube
Cube
(mathematics) The third power of a number, value, term or expression.
The cube of 2 is 8
Cube
(computing) A data structure consisting of a three-dimensional array; a data cube
Cube
A Rubik's cube style puzzle, not necessarily in the shape of a cube
Cube
A cubicle, especially one of those found in offices.
My co-worker annoys me by throwing things over the walls of my cube.
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.
Cube
(transitive) To form into the shape of a cube.
Cube
(transitive) To cut into cubes.
Cube the ham right after adding the curry to the rice.
Cube
(intransitive) To use a Rubik's cube.
He likes to cube now and then.
Cube
A regular solid body, with six equal square sides.
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.
Cube
To raise to the third power; to obtain the cube of.
Cube
A three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides
Cube
A hexahedron with six equal squares as faces
Cube
The product of three equal terms
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
Cube
A block in the (approximate) shape of a cube
Cube
Raise to the third power
Cube
Cut into cubes;
Cube the cheese
Common Curiosities
Can a cube be anything other than a geometric figure?
Yes, it can refer to cube-shaped objects or slang for a cubicle.
How do office workers personalize their cubicles?
By adding personal items, photos, or decorations.
Why might companies choose cubicles over open office layouts?
For better individual space management and privacy.
What are some common items found in a cubicle?
Desks, computers, chairs, filing cabinets, and personal decorations.
What is the main purpose of a cubicle?
To provide a semi-private, personalized workspace within a larger office.
What materials are cubicles usually made from?
Often from wood, fabric-covered partitions, or metal frames.
Is a cube always solid in geometry?
Yes, by definition, it is a solid figure.
How is a cube used in scientific applications?
Often in modeling, simulations, or volume calculations.
How does a cube differ from a sphere in geometry?
A cube has flat faces and sharp edges, while a sphere is perfectly round.
What is the volume formula for a cube?
Volume equals side length cubed (s^3).
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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.
