Properties of shapes exercises for 11+ maths
21 October 2026
Properties of shapes for 11+ success
Understanding the properties of shapes is a core topic for the 11+ maths exam. Children need to recognise, describe and compare 2D and 3D shapes, and use these skills to solve problems. Regular practice helps children become confident with key concepts and exam-style questions.
Key definitions to know
Your child should be familiar with common shapes and their properties. Triangles can be classified by their sides (equilateral, isosceles, scalene) and by their angles (acute, right-angled, obtuse). Quadrilaterals include squares, rectangles, parallelograms, rhombuses and trapeziums. Each has its own set of properties, such as equal sides, parallel sides or specific angle sizes.
Spotting properties in questions
In 11+ exams, children may be asked to identify shapes from diagrams, find missing angles or state facts such as "all sides are equal" or "opposite sides are parallel". Encourage your child to look for clues in the wording and diagrams, and to write down what they know before starting calculations.
Worked example
Step 1: Identify the shape. The question shows a quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides and all sides equal.
Step 2: Recall the properties. A quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides and all sides equal is a rhombus.
Step 3: Use the information. If one angle is given as 60°, remember that opposite angles in a rhombus are equal, and adjacent angles add up to 180°.
Step 4: Find the missing angle. 180° - 60° = 120°. So, the adjacent angle is 120°.
The answer is that the missing angle is 120°.
Practice tips for parents
Encourage your child to practise with a range of shapes, including less common ones like kites and trapeziums. Ask them to explain their reasoning out loud. Using simple diagrams and step-by-step logic helps to build confidence and accuracy.
Key insight: Practising properties of shapes exercises helps children recognise patterns, remember key facts and approach 11+ questions with confidence.
