3D shape nets practice for 11 plus exams
21 October 2026
Understanding 3D shape nets
3D shape nets are flat patterns that can be folded to make three-dimensional shapes. In 11+ maths, children may be asked to identify, draw or reason about nets for cubes, cuboids, prisms and pyramids. This skill builds spatial awareness and helps with geometry questions.
Why 3D shape nets matter for 11+
Questions on 3D shape nets test if children can visualise how a flat net becomes a solid shape. These questions often appear in GL and CEM 11+ exams. Practising with nets helps children spot which nets will fold into a cube or other shape, and which will not.
Tips for practising at home
Print or draw nets for common shapes like cubes and cuboids. Let your child cut them out and fold them to see the shape form. Use real boxes or building blocks to link the flat net to the finished 3D object. Encourage your child to count faces, edges and vertices as they fold.
Worked example: cube net
Imagine a cube with sides of 3 cm. A net for a cube has six equal squares. Draw six 3 cm × 3 cm squares in a T shape: one centre square, four squares attached to each side, and one more square attached to the base of the centre.
Find the area of the net: each square is 3 × 3 = 9 cm². There are 6 squares, so 6 × 9 = 54 cm².
If you fold along the lines, the six squares make a cube. The total area of the net is 54 cm².
Key insight: 3D shape nets help children connect flat shapes to real objects. Practising with nets builds confidence for geometry and reasoning questions in the 11+ exam.
