What are 3D Shapes?
Three dimensional shapes or 3D shapes are solid shapes that take up space, unlike 2D shapes. Here are some examples of 3D shapes:
Can We Combine 3D Shapes to Create New Shapes?
Surely! We can combine two or more 3D (three-dimensional) shapes to create new shapes, just like how it is possible to two dimensional shapes. In the following example, we have an image of a castle that has been created with 3D figures such as cylinders, cones, and cubes.
These shapes, in which several 3D objects are used to make another 3D shape, are also known as composite figures.
How To Take Apart Shapes To Get Individual 3D Shapes?
Let us take an example for this. Have a look at the following image.
This is a combined 3D shape with different 3D shapes put together. Now, we will take them apart to find out the different kinds of shapes. If we begin from the top, there is a blue cone, a yellow cylinder, and an orange colored rectangular prism.
After taking apart the shapes, the 3D figures look like this:
Helpful Resources for Kids
Revise Math formulas and important concepts using our Math worksheets! These worksheets help students to develop Math skills in a fun and interesting way. Click the link below to get all the easy-to-comprehend math calculators and worksheets.
Solved Examples
1. What are the 3D shapes needed to create the structure in the image?
Answer: The above image has been made by combining two 3D shapes. If we take them apart, we can find out about the 3D shapes.
The first one is an orange colored cone, . 
The next 3D shape is a blue colored cylinder, . 
2. What are the 3D shapes needed to create the shape in the above image?
Answer: This shape uses a cylinder and cone to create another 3D shape.
3. State how many cubes are present in the following image:
Answer: Visually, we can see there are 3 cubes that have been put together. But there is another hidden cube that we haven’t noticed yet. This cube is beneath the blue cube, and behind the green and purple cubes.
This is the 4th cube. Hence, there are 4 cubes combined together.
4. Have a look at the following image from your daily life and mention the 3D shapes in it.
Answer: The above image is of an ice cream cone. Let us have a look at the shapes that have been combined to form this figure. The ice cream cone resembles the 3D shape of a cone, while the ice cream scoops resemble spheres. Thus this figure is made up of a cone and 3 spheres.
5. How many of each 3D shape make up the bridge?
Answer: For the above bridge, here are the number of 3D shapes used:
Cubes – 4
Rectangular prism – 7
There aren’t any cylinders and cones used in the bridge.
Learning about 3D shapes at a younger age enables children to have a strong understanding of the different solid shapes they see around them and how these 3D shapes are different from 2D shapes. Every shape comes with different features and children can learn about that. This eventually helps in developing important mathematical skills as well.
While teaching about 3D shapes to children, it is important for children to know that 3D shapes are measured by length, width and depth, or height. The 3D shapes are not like 2D shapes that are always flat.