Square vs. Rectangle — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 16, 2024
A square is a rectangle with all four sides of equal length and four right angles. A rectangle is a broader category that includes squares but generally refers to shapes with four right angles and opposite sides of equal length.
Difference Between Square and Rectangle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A square is a specific type of rectangle characterized by four equal sides and four right angles, making it both a rectangle and a regular polygon. This means that every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square. The defining feature of a rectangle, including squares, is its four right angles. However, a rectangle typically refers to shapes where the pairs of opposite sides are equal in length, and not necessarily all four sides, as in the case of a square.
The square’s equal sides mean it has a higher degree of symmetry than most rectangles. This symmetry affects properties like the square's diagonals, which are equal in length and bisect each other at right angles. In a general rectangle, while the diagonals are also equal in length, they do not form right angles upon intersection.
Area calculation for both shapes involves multiplying the length by the width. In a square, this simplifies to squaring the length of one side, due to all sides being equal. For a rectangle, the length and width are distinct, requiring knowledge of both dimensions to calculate the area.
The terminology used to describe these shapes also reflects their properties. "Square" implies equality and uniformity, often used metaphorically to signify fairness or balance. "Rectangle," on the other hand, is more often used in technical or descriptive contexts, emphasizing the shape’s more general characteristics without implying equality among all sides.
Understanding the distinction between squares and rectangles is crucial for various applications in geometry, design, and everyday reasoning, highlighting the importance of specificity in mathematical terminology and the relationships between different geometric figures.
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Comparison Chart
Sides
Four equal-length sides.
Opposite sides equal, not necessarily all.
Angles
Four right angles.
Four right angles.
Diagonals
Equal in length, bisect each other at 90°.
Equal in length, do not bisect at 90°.
Symmetry
Higher degree of symmetry.
Less symmetry compared to a square.
Area Formula
Side^2 (side length squared).
Length × Width.
Definition
A rectangle with all sides equal.
A quadrilateral with four right angles.
Regular Polygon
Yes, as all sides and angles are equal.
No, unless it’s a square.
Usage Example
Used to denote equality or uniformity.
Often used in technical descriptions.
Compare with Definitions
Square
A four-sided shape with equal sides and right angles.
A chessboard is made up of 64 squares.
Rectangle
A quadrilateral with equal opposite sides and right angles.
Many mobile phones have a rectangular shape.
Square
In mathematics, a square number is the product of a number multiplied by itself.
16 is a square number (4x4).
Rectangle
In geometry, area is calculated as length times width.
To find the area of the rectangle, multiply the length by the width.
Square
Symbolizes balance and uniformity.
The phrase fair and square implies honesty and equality.
Rectangle
Versatile in applications from art to engineering.
The engineer designed the pool as a large rectangle for lap swimming.
Square
Used in architecture for its symmetry.
The courtyard was designed as a perfect square for aesthetic appeal.
Rectangle
Often represents structures and objects in real life.
The table was a long rectangle, seating ten people.
Square
Common in patterns and designs for its regularity.
The quilt featured a colorful pattern of squares.
Rectangle
Used in layout and design for spatial organization.
The rectangular garden beds were arranged for optimal sunlight.
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.
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.
Square
A plane figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles
A grid of ruled squares
Rectangle
A plane figure with four straight sides and four right angles, especially one with unequal adjacent sides, in contrast to a square.
Square
An open, typically four-sided, area surrounded by buildings in a village, town, or city
A market square
Leicester Square
Rectangle
A four-sided plane figure with four right angles.
Square
The product of a number multiplied by itself
A circle's area is proportional to the square of its radius
Rectangle
(geometry) Any quadrilateral having opposing sides parallel and four right angles.
Square
An L-shaped or T-shaped instrument used for obtaining or testing right angles
A carpenter's square
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.
Square
A person considered to be old-fashioned or boringly conventional in attitude or behaviour
Reg is such a square
Rectangle
A four-sided figure having only right angles; a right-angled parallelogram.
Square
A square meal
Three squares a day
Rectangle
Rectangular.
Square
Having the shape or approximate shape of a square
A square table
Rectangle
A parallelogram with four right angles
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
Square
At right angles; perpendicular
These lines must be square to the top and bottom marked edges
Square
Level or parallel
Place two pieces of wood one on top of the other, ensuring that they are exactly square
Square
(of two people) owing nothing to each other
An acknowledgement that we are square
Square
Old-fashioned or boringly conventional
Elvis was anything but square
Square
(of rhythm) simple and straightforward.
Square
Directly; straight
The ball hit me square in the forehead
Square
In a direction transversely across the field or pitch
The ball bounced almost square to the left
Square
Make square or rectangular; give a square or rectangular cross section to
You can square off the other edge
Square
Multiply (a number) by itself
5 squared equals 25
Square
Make compatible; reconcile
I'm able to square my profession with my religious beliefs
Square
Balance (an account)
Institutions are anxious to square their books before the election
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
Square
Secure the help or acquiescence of (someone), especially by offering an inducement
Trying to square the press
Square
Pass (a ball) across the field, especially towards the centre.
Square
Set (a yard or other part of a ship) at right angles to the keel or other point of reference.
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
Can a rectangle have all equal sides?
If a rectangle has all equal sides, it is specifically called a square.
What makes a square a rectangle?
A square is a rectangle because it has four right angles and opposite sides of equal length, fitting the definition of a rectangle.
Why isn't every rectangle a square?
Not every rectangle is a square because a square requires all four sides to be equal in length, a condition not necessary for rectangles.
Is it correct to call a square a regular rectangle?
While not a standard term, calling a square a "regular rectangle" emphasizes its qualities as a rectangle with the additional property of having all sides equal.
How do you calculate the area of a square and a rectangle?
For a square, area = side^2. For a rectangle, area = length × width.
How do squares and rectangles differ in symmetry?
Squares have higher symmetry due to equal-length sides and angles, offering rotational and reflective symmetry that rectangles generally lack unless they are squares.
What is a real-life example of a square and a rectangle?
A real-life example of a square is a standard game board, while a rectangle example is a laptop screen.
What are the diagonal properties of a square compared to a rectangle?
In a square, diagonals are equal, bisect each other at right angles, and bisect the angles of the square. In a general rectangle, diagonals are equal but do not bisect at right angles.
Why are squares considered regular polygons but not all rectangles?
Squares are considered regular polygons because they have all sides and angles equal, a condition that rectangles do not meet unless they are squares.
How does understanding the difference between squares and rectangles benefit students?
Understanding the difference helps students grasp fundamental geometric principles, aiding in spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and the study of shapes’ properties.
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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
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.
