Identifying 3D Shapes: Step-by-Step Example
23 October 2026
Understanding how to spot different 3D shapes is a key skill for the 11+ exam. Children learn to look at the number of faces, edges, and vertices to work out the name of the shape.
Here's a clear example to help your child see how to break down the question and match the properties to the right 3D shape.
Worked example
Question: Which 3D shape has 6 square faces, 12 edges, and 8 vertices?
Step 1: Count the faces. There are 6 faces, and all are squares.
Step 2: Count the edges. There are 12 edges.
Step 3: Count the vertices. There are 8 vertices (corners).
Step 4: Think about 3D shapes you know. Which one matches these properties?
The correct answer is: cube.
After working through this example, your child will be able to recognise a cube by its faces, edges, and corners. This builds confidence for similar questions in 11+ Maths.
Key insight: Practising with different 3D shapes helps children spot patterns and answer these questions quickly. More practice questions like this are ready to use.
