Exploring 3D Shapes: Step-by-Step Example
23 October 2026
Exploring 3D shapes helps children understand what makes each shape unique. By looking closely at faces, edges and vertices, your child can describe and compare different 3D objects with confidence.
Worked example
Question: A cuboid has 6 faces, 12 edges and 8 vertices. Show how you can check these numbers by exploring the shape.
Step 1: Count the faces. There are 6 flat surfaces on a cuboid. These are called faces.
Step 2: Count the edges. Each place where two faces meet is called an edge. Count all the edges. There are 12.
Step 3: Count the vertices. Each point where edges meet is called a vertex. Count all the corners. There are 8.
Answer: The cuboid has 6 faces, 12 edges and 8 vertices.
After working through this example, your child will recognise how to break down a 3D shape into faces, edges and vertices. The next step is to practise with other shapes using the same approach.
