In geometry, a prism is a solid shape consisting of two identical ends such as triangle, square, rectangle, etc., flat faces or surfaces, and uniform cross-sections across its length. The shape of the prism does not have any curve. If the cross-section looks like a rectangle, it is called a rectangular prism. Similarly, if the base of a prism is of a hexagon shape, it is called a hexagonal prism. Therefore, a prism can have triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal and other polygon shapes as bases but not circular shapes.
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What is Hexagonal Prism?
A hexagonal prism is a prism with a hexagonal base and top. It is a 3D shape and thus, is a polyhedron with 8 faces, 18 edges, and 12 vertices. As it has 8 faces, it is also called an octahedron. Generally, the term octahedron is used to define a regular octahedron, which has 8 triangular faces. We can observe that many things which we use every day have the shape of a hexagonal prism. For example, many pencils have the form of a long hexagonal prism before being sharpened.
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Hexagonal Prism 3D Shape
The hexagonal prism contains 2 hexagons (one is the base and the other on the top) and 6 rectangles connecting the hexagonal faces. The shape of a hexagonal prism is given below:
Hexagonal Prism – Faces, Edges and Vertices
As mentioned above, a hexagonal prism has 2 hexagonal and 6 rectangular faces. From this, we can see that it has 8 faces, 18 edges and 12 vertices. These are shown in the below figure.
Learn more about faces edges and vertices of solids here.
Hexagonal Prism Net
When the object is opened flat, the net of the shape will be formed. Similarly, we can create a net of the hexagonal prism that clearly shows the shape’s faces. Once the net of the hexagonal prism is folded, the 3D version of the prism will appear. Multiple nets are possible for any 3D shape, and the below figure shows two nets of hexagonal prism among the many possible patterns.
Hexagonal Prism Formula
The formula of a hexagonal prism includes surface area and volume. The surface area of this can be calculated by considering the base area and lateral surface area.
Base Area of Hexagonal Prism
We know that area of hexagon = 3 × side × apothem
From the above figure,
Side of the hexagonal base = b
Apothem = a
Thus, the base area of hexagonal prism = 3ab
Hexagonal Prism Surface Area
Total surface area (Surface area) of hexagonal prism = 2 × Base area + Lateral surface area
= 2(3ab) + 6 × Area of 6 rectangle whose dimensions are b and h
= 6ab + 6bh
Therefore, the surface area of hexagonal prism = 6ab + 6bh
Hexagonal Prism Volume
Volume of hexagonal prism = Base area × Height
= 3ab × h
Hence, the volume of hexagonal prism = 3abh
However, these formulas can be written in a different way without using the length of the apothem.
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Base area |
Surface area |
Volume |
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(3√3/2) × s2 Here, s = Side of hexagonal base |
6sh + 3√3 s2 Here, s = Side of hexagonal base h = Height |
(3√3/2) × s2h Here, s = Side of hexagonal base h = Height |
Frequently Asked Questions on Hexagonal Prism
How many sides does a hexagonal prism have?
A hexagonal prism has 18 sides, i.e. 18 edges.
What is the base of a hexagonal prism?
The base of a hexagonal prism is the hexagon, a 6 sided polygon.
How many hexagons are there in a hexagonal prism?
As we know, the base and top of a hexagonal prism are hexagons, and thus, it has 2 hexagons.
How many faces does hexagonal prism have?
A hexagonal prism contains a total of 8 faces, out of which 6 are rectangular and 2 are hexagonal faces.
How many right angles does a hexagonal prism have?
If the hexagonal bases of a hexagonal prism don’t have any right angles, then it will have 24 right angles through the vertices of rectangular faces. Each rectangular face contains 4 right angles so the 6 rectangular faces form 24 right angles.
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