Shape vs. Size — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
Shape refers to the external form or contour of an object, while Size denotes the magnitude or dimensions of an object.
Difference Between Shape and Size
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Shape and Size are essential concepts used to describe physical attributes of objects. The word Shape pertains to the specific physical form or geometric design that an object takes. For example, shapes can be square, round, triangular, and more. Each of these distinct forms represents a different shape, irrespective of how big or small it might be.
On the contrary, Size relates to the magnitude, proportions, or dimensions of an object. It's not about the design but the scale or extent of something. A cup can be of different sizes, but its fundamental shape, being a cup, remains the same. Size might be expressed in terms such as large, small, ten inches, or five liters.
Both Shape and Size are used frequently in daily life, especially in contexts involving shopping, architecture, and design. While shopping for clothes, one might be more concerned about the size for a proper fit, but when choosing a dining table, the shape might be a primary consideration.
Interestingly, while shape often remains consistent in similar objects (e.g., all basketballs have a spherical shape), sizes can vary significantly within the same category. A basketball used in professional leagues might differ in size from one used in children's games, but their shapes remain spherical.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The external form or contour of an object.
The magnitude or dimensions of an object.
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Measurement
Described using geometric terms.
Described using units like meters, inches.
Can be...
Square, round, triangular, etc.
Large, small, 10 inches, 5 liters, etc.
Changes in
Can transform the object's identity.
Does not alter the inherent identity.
Examples in Apparel
Different styles like A-line, pencil, etc. in skirts.
Different numbers like 6, 8, 10 in shoes.
Compare with Definitions
Shape
Shape is the specific form or outward appearance of an object.
The Shape of the pendant was heart-shaped.
Size
Size indicates how big or small something is.
The Size of the room was enormous.
Shape
Shape refers to the geometric or natural configuration of an entity.
The island had a unique Shape, resembling a crescent.
Size
Size is used to determine the magnitude or extent of an object.
The watermelon's Size was impressive.
Shape
Shape indicates the structure or formation of an item.
The clouds today had the Shape of fluffy cotton balls.
Size
Size categorizes objects based on their scale.
She wore a Size medium t-shirt.
Shape
A shape or figure is the form of an object or its external boundary, outline, or external surface, as opposed to other properties such as color, texture, or material type. A plane shape, two-dimensional shape, or 2D shape (plane figure, two-dimensional figure, or 2D figure) is constrained to lie on a plane, in contrast to solid figures.
Size
Size is quantifiable and can be compared against standards.
The book's Size was larger than the standard novel.
Shape
The characteristic surface configuration of a thing; an outline or contour
A lake in the shape of an hourglass.
Size
Size in general is the magnitude or dimensions of a thing. More specifically, geometrical size (or spatial size) can refer to linear dimensions (length, width, height, diameter, perimeter), area, or volume.
Shape
Spatial form, contour, or appearance
The sandy coastline is always changing shape.
Size
The relative extent of something; a thing's overall dimensions or magnitude; how big something is
A forest the size of Wales
Firms of all sizes
The schools varied in size
Shape
The body or outward appearance of a person or an animal
Saw two shapes walking toward her in the night.
Size
Each of the classes, typically numbered, into which garments or other articles are divided according to how large they are
I can never find anything in my size
Shape
The contour of a person's body; the figure
A swimmer with a slender shape.
Size
A gelatinous solution used in glazing paper, stiffening textiles, and preparing plastered walls for decoration.
Shape
A definite or distinctive form
Our discussion acquired the shape of an argument.
Size
Alter or sort in terms of size or according to size
Twist drills are sized in millimetres
Shape
Form, condition, or embodiment
How is your research project taking shape?.
Size
Estimate or measure something's dimensions
She was trying to size up a room with a tape measure
Shape
A desirable form
A fabric that holds its shape.
Size
Treat with size to glaze or stiffen
Paper will adhere to sized walls better
Shape
Assumed or false appearance; guise
A god in the shape of a swan.
Size
Having a specified size; sized
Marble-size chunks of hail
Shape
A ghostly form; a phantom
Shapes appeared in his bedroom at night.
Size
The physical dimensions, proportions, magnitude, or extent of an object.
Shape
Something, such as a mold or pattern, used to give or determine form.
Size
Any of a series of graduated categories of dimension whereby manufactured articles, such as shoes and clothing, are classified.
Shape
The condition of something with regard to effectiveness, use, or appearance
What kind of shape is your car in?.
Size
Considerable extent, amount, or dimensions
A debt of enormous size.
Shape
Bodily condition, as in regard to muscle tone or endurance
She's in great shape after working out for six months.
Size
Relative amount or number, as of population or contents
What size is Cleveland?.
Shape
To give a particular form to (a material)
Shape the dough into baguettes.
Size
Character, value, or status with reference to relative importance or the capacity to meet given requirements
Try this proposal on for size.
Shape
To create or configure, as from a material
A sculpture that was shaped out of ice.
Size
The actual state of affairs
That's about the size of the situation.
Shape
To cause to conform to a particular form
A pool that is shaped like an hourglass.
A bone that is shaped to bear weight.
Size
Any of several gelatinous or glutinous substances usually made from glue, wax, or clay and used as a glaze or filler for porous materials such as paper, cloth, or wall surfaces.
Shape
To plan or devise
Shape a new educational program.
Size
To arrange, classify, or distribute according to size.
Shape
To embody in a definite form
Shaped a folk tale into an opera.
Size
To make, cut, or shape to a required size.
Shape
To influence in a formative way
Experiences that shaped his identity.
Size
To treat or coat with size or a similar substance.
Shape
To direct the course of
"He shaped history as well as being shaped by it" (Robert J. Samuelson).
Size
Sized. Often used in combination
Bite-size appetizers.
An economy-size package.
Shape
The status or condition of something
The used bookshop wouldn’t offer much due to the poor shape of the book.
Size
An assize.
Shape
Condition of personal health, especially muscular health.
The vet checked to see what kind of shape the animal was in.
We exercise to keep in good physical shape.
Size
(obsolete) A regulation determining the amount of money paid in fees, taxes etc.
Shape
The appearance of something in terms of its arrangement in space, especially its outline; often a basic geometric two-dimensional figure.
He cut a square shape out of the cake.
What shape shall we use for the cookies? Stars, circles, or diamonds?
Size
(obsolete) A fixed standard for the magnitude, quality, quantity etc. of goods, especially food and drink.
Shape
Form; formation.
Size
The dimensions or magnitude of a thing; how big something is.
The size of the building seemed to have increased since I was last there.
Shape
(iron manufacture) A rolled or hammered piece, such as a bar, beam, angle iron, etc., having a cross section different from merchant bar.
Size
(obsolete) A regulation, piece of ordinance.
Shape
(iron manufacture) A piece which has been roughly forged nearly to the form it will receive when completely forged or fitted.
Size
A specific set of dimensions for a manufactured article, especially clothing.
I don't think we have the red one in your size.
Shape
A mould for making blancmange, jelly, etc., or a piece of such food formed moulded into a particular shape.
Size
(graph theory) A number of edges in a graph.
Shape
(gambling) A loaded die.
Size
Degree of rank, ability, character, etc.
Shape
(programming) In the Hack programming language, a group of data fields each of which has a name and a data type.
Size
An instrument consisting of a number of perforated gauges fastened together at one end by a rivet, used for measuring the size of pearls
Shape
To create or make.
Earth was shapen by God for God's folk.
Size
A thin, weak glue used as primer for paper or canvas intended to be painted upon.
Shape
(transitive) To give something a shape and definition.
Shape the dough into a pretzel.
For my art project, I plan to shape my clay lump into a bowl.
Size
Wallpaper paste.
Shape
To form or manipulate something into a certain shape.
Size
The thickened crust on coagulated blood.
Shape
(of a country, person, etc) To give influence to.
Size
Any viscous substance, such as gilder's varnish.
Shape
To suit; to be adjusted or conformable.
Size
(transitive) To adjust the size of; to make a certain size.
Shape
(obsolete) To imagine; to conceive.
Size
(transitive) To classify or arrange by size.
Shape
To form or create; especially, to mold or make into a particular form; to give proper form or figure to.
I was shapen in iniquity.
Grace shaped her limbs, and beauty decked her face.
Size
(military) To take the height of men, in order to place them in the ranks according to their stature.
Shape
To adapt to a purpose; to regulate; to adjust; to direct; as, to shape the course of a vessel.
To the stream, when neither friends, nor force,Nor speed nor art avail, he shapes his course.
Charmed by their eyes, their manners I acquire,And shape my foolishness to their desire.
Size
(mining) To sift (pieces of ore or metal) in order to separate the finer from the coarser parts.
Shape
To imagine; to conceive; to call forth (ideas).
Oft my jealousyShapes faults that are not.
Size
To approximate the dimensions, estimate the size of.
Shape
To design; to prepare; to plan; to arrange.
When shapen was all this conspiracy,From point to point.
I will early shape me therefor.
Size
(intransitive) To take a greater size; to increase in size.
Shape
To suit; to be adjusted or conformable.
Size
To order food or drink from the buttery; hence, to enter a score, as upon the buttery book.
Shape
Character or construction of a thing as determining its external appearance; outward aspect; make; figure; form; guise; as, the shape of a tree; the shape of the head; an elegant shape.
He beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman.
Size
To swell; to increase the bulk of.
Shape
That which has form or figure; a figure; an appearance; a being.
Before the gates three sat,On either side, a formidable shape.
Size
(transitive) To apply glue or other primer to a surface which is to be painted.
Shape
A model; a pattern; a mold.
Size
Six.
Shape
Form of embodiment, as in words; form, as of thought or conception; concrete embodiment or example, as of some quality.
Size
A thin, weak glue used in various trades, as in painting, bookbinding, paper making, etc.
Shape
Dress for disguise; guise.
Look better on this virgin, and considerThis Persian shape laid by, and she appearingIn a Greekish dress.
Size
Any viscous substance, as gilder's varnish.
Shape
A rolled or hammered piece, as a bar, beam, angle iron, etc., having a cross section different from merchant bar.
Size
A settled quantity or allowance. See Assize.
Shape
Any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline);
He could barely make out their shapes through the smoke
Size
An allowance of food and drink from the buttery, aside from the regular dinner at commons; - corresponding to battel at Oxford.
Shape
The spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance;
Geometry is the mathematical science of shape
Size
Extent of superficies or volume; bulk; bigness; magnitude; as, the size of a tree or of a mast; the size of a ship or of a rock.
Shape
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Size
Figurative bulk; condition as to rank, ability, character, etc.; as, the office demands a man of larger size.
Men of a less size and quality.
The middling or lower size of people.
Shape
A concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept;
A circle was the embodiment of his concept of life
Size
A conventional relative measure of dimension, as for shoes, gloves, and other articles made up for sale.
Shape
The visual appearance of something or someone;
The delicate cast of his features
Size
An instrument consisting of a number of perforated gauges fastened together at one end by a rivet, - used for ascertaining the size of pearls.
Shape
The state of (good) health (especially in the phrases `in condition' or `in shape' or `out of condition' or `out of shape')
Size
To cover with size; to prepare with size.
Shape
The supremem headquarters that advises NATO on military matters and oversees all aspects of the Allied Command Europe
Size
To fix the standard of.
Shape
A perceptual structure;
The composition presents problems for students of musical form
A visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them
Size
To adjust or arrange according to size or bulk.
Shape
Shape or influence; give direction to;
Experience often determines ability
Mold public opinion
Size
To swell; to increase the bulk of.
Shape
Make something, usually for a specific function;
She molded the riceballs carefully
Form cylinders from the dough
Shape a figure
Work the metal into a sword
Size
To bring or adjust anything exactly to a required dimension, as by cutting.
We had to size up our fellow legislators.
Shape
Give a shape or form to;
Shape the dough
Size
To take greater size; to increase in size.
Our desires give them fashion, and so,As they wax lesser, fall, as they size, grow.
Shape
Shape can describe the contour or outline of a figure.
The Shape of the cookie cutter was starry.
Size
To order food or drink from the buttery; hence, to enter a score, as upon the buttery book.
Shape
Shape can be influenced by external factors, molding, or design.
The potter gave the clay a round Shape.
Size
The physical magnitude of something (how big it is);
A wolf is about the size of a large dog
Size
The property resulting from being one of a series of graduated measurements (as of clothing);
He wears a size 13 shoe
Size
Any glutinous material used to fill pores in surfaces or to stiffen fabrics;
Size gives body to a fabric
Size
The actual state of affairs;
That's the size of the situation
She hates me, that's about the size of it
Size
A large magnitude;
He blanched when he saw the size of the bill
The only city of any size in that area
Size
Cover or stiffen or glaze a porous material with size or sizing (a glutinous substance)
Size
Sort according to size
Size
Make to a size; bring to a suitable size
Size
(used in combination) sized;
The economy-size package
Average-size house
Size
Size can refer to the measurements or dimensions of an item.
The Size of the paper was 8.5 x 11 inches.
Common Curiosities
Can two objects have the same Shape but different Sizes?
Yes, for instance, two rectangles can have the same Shape but vary in Size.
Is Size always measured using specific units?
Often, yes. Size is quantified using units like inches, centimeters, liters, etc.
Can an object's Shape be changed without altering its Size?
Yes, for example, clay can be molded into different Shapes without changing its volume or Size.
What does Shape refer to?
Shape pertains to the specific physical form or geometric design of an object.
How is Size defined?
Size denotes the magnitude, proportions, or dimensions of an object.
In apparel, does Shape or Size determine fit?
Size primarily determines fit, while Shape often refers to style or design.
Can Shape be abstract?
Yes, Shapes can be both concrete (like a square) or abstract (like the structure of a story).
What factors can influence an object's Size?
Growth, expansion, or reduction processes can change an object's Size.
Is Size relative?
Yes, what is considered "large" in one context might be "small" in another.
Can two different Shapes have the same Size?
Yes, for example, a circle and a square might occupy the same area but have different Shapes.
Is Size subjective?
While perceptions of "large" or "small" can be subjective, Size itself is objective and measurable.
How is the Shape of an object usually described?
Shape is described using terms like round, square, triangular, etc.
Which is more permanent, Shape or Size?
Both can change, but altering an object's Shape might change its fundamental identity, while changing its Size retains its inherent nature.
Do all objects have both a Shape and a Size?
Most tangible objects have both a Shape and a Size, but some abstract concepts may only have one or neither.
Which is more variable, Shape or Size?
Both can vary, but within a category, Sizes often have more variations than Shapes.
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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.
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.
