Naming 3D shapes for 11+ maths
21 October 2026
Why naming 3D shapes matters
Recognising and naming 3D shapes is a key skill for the 11+ maths exam. Questions often ask children to identify shapes from their properties, so clear understanding is essential.
Common 3D shapes and their features
Cube: 6 square faces, 12 equal edges, 8 vertices (corners).
Cuboid: 6 rectangular faces, 12 edges, 8 vertices.
Sphere: 1 curved surface, no edges or vertices.
Cylinder: 2 circular faces, 1 curved surface, 2 edges, no vertices.
Cone: 1 circular face, 1 curved surface, 1 edge, 1 vertex.
Pyramid (square-based): 5 faces (1 square, 4 triangles), 8 edges, 5 vertices.
Worked example
Step 1: The shape has 6 square faces.
Step 2: All faces are the same size.
Step 3: The shape has 12 equal edges.
Step 4: The shape has 8 vertices.
Step 5: Which 3D shape is this?
The answer is a cube.
Supporting your child at home
Use everyday objects like boxes, balls and tins to practise naming shapes. Ask your child to count faces, edges and vertices, or draw the shapes and label their properties together.
Key insight: Naming 3D shapes helps children develop spatial awareness and understand geometry questions more confidently.
