Parallelogram vs. Rectangle: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 4, 2024
A parallelogram is a four-sided shape with opposite sides parallel and equal in length, while a rectangle is a parallelogram with all angles right angles.
Key Differences
A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides. The opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal in length, and opposite angles are equal. However, the angles in a parallelogram are not restricted to 90 degrees. A rectangle is a specific type of parallelogram where all four angles are right angles, making the adjacent sides perpendicular to each other.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
In a parallelogram, the diagonals bisect each other but are not necessarily equal in length. This is one of the defining properties of a parallelogram and helps distinguish it from other quadrilaterals. In contrast, in a rectangle, the diagonals are not only bisectors but are also equal in length, which is a unique characteristic of rectangles.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
The area of a parallelogram is calculated by multiplying the base by the height (the perpendicular distance from the base to the opposite side). While this formula is also true for rectangles, in rectangles, the area can additionally be calculated by multiplying the length by the width due to the right angles.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Parallelograms can take various forms, including rectangles, rhombuses, and squares, depending on angles and side lengths. A rectangle, however, is always a parallelogram, but with the added condition of having right angles, which gives it a more specific shape and properties.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
The angles in a parallelogram can vary, as long as each pair of opposite angles are equal. This flexibility allows for a range of shapes under the category of parallelograms. In a rectangle, however, the angles are always 90 degrees, which greatly restricts its shape to one specific form.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Diagonals
Bisect each other, not necessarily equal
Bisect and are equal in length
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Jan 04, 2024
Side Lengths
Opposite sides equal
Opposite sides equal, adjacent sides perpendicular
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Jan 04, 2024
Shape Variability
Can be a rectangle, rhombus, or square
Always a parallelogram with right angles
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
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Parallelogram and Rectangle Definitions
Parallelogram
A polygon that can take various forms, including rectangles and rhombuses.
This parallelogram is not a rectangle because its angles are not 90 degrees.
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Dec 18, 2023
Rectangle
A parallelogram with four right angles.
The rectangle's right angles made it perfect for the frame design.
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Dec 18, 2023
Parallelogram
A shape where opposite sides are equal and parallel.
In the parallelogram, the opposite sides were of equal length.
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Dec 18, 2023
Rectangle
A shape where the area is calculated as length times width.
Calculating the area of the rectangle was straightforward: length multiplied by width.
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Dec 18, 2023
Parallelogram
A four-sided figure with equal opposite angles.
The parallelogram had angles that were not right angles.
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Dec 18, 2023
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Rectangle
A four-sided figure with opposite sides equal and all angles 90 degrees.
The rectangle had equal-length diagonals due to its right angles.
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Dec 18, 2023
Parallelogram
A geometric figure where diagonals bisect each other.
The diagonals of the parallelogram intersected at the midpoint.
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Dec 18, 2023
Rectangle
A type of parallelogram with perpendicular adjacent sides.
The rectangle is a special case of parallelogram with perpendicular sides.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Parallelogram
A quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides.
The area of the parallelogram was calculated using its base and height.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Rectangle
A quadrilateral that forms the basis for many common objects, like books and screens.
The book was shaped like a perfect rectangle.
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Dec 18, 2023
Parallelogram
(geometry) A convex quadrilateral in which each pair of opposite edges are parallel and of equal length.
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Dec 13, 2023
Rectangle
(geometry) Any quadrilateral having opposing sides parallel and four right angles.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parallelogram
Either of two rectangular areas (respectively the large parallelogram and the small parallelogram) abutting the goal line in front of the goal. (Since 1986 officially named the large rectangle and small rectangle, though the older names are still occasionally used.)
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Dec 13, 2023
Rectangle
(nontechnical) Such a quadrilateral that is oblong (longer than it is wide): one that is not regular (equilateral), that is, any except a square.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parallelogram
A right-lined quadrilateral figure, whose opposite sides are parallel, and consequently equal; - sometimes restricted in popular usage to a rectangle, or quadrilateral figure which is longer than it is broad, and with right angles.
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Dec 13, 2023
Rectangle
A four-sided figure having only right angles; a right-angled parallelogram.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parallelogram
A quadrilateral whose opposite sides are both parallel and equal in length
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Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How are the diagonals in a parallelogram special?
They bisect each other but aren't necessarily equal.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
What makes a rectangle unique among parallelograms?
All its angles are right angles.
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Jan 04, 2024
Can a parallelogram have right angles?
Yes, in which case it is a rectangle.
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Jan 04, 2024
What's the key feature of a rectangle's diagonals?
They are equal in length and bisect each other.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Is every rectangle a parallelogram?
Yes, every rectangle is a type of parallelogram.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Can a parallelogram be a square?
Yes, if all sides are equal and angles are 90 degrees.
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Jan 04, 2024
What types of parallelograms are there?
Including rectangles, rhombuses, and squares.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
What defines a parallelogram?
A quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Do parallelograms always have equal opposite sides?
Yes, that's a defining feature.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Are the adjacent sides of a rectangle always perpendicular?
Yes, that’s part of being a rectangle.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Can the angles in a parallelogram be adjusted?
Yes, as long as opposite angles remain equal.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Are rectangles used more commonly in everyday objects than parallelograms?
Yes, due to their right angles and regular shape.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
How do you calculate the area of a parallelogram?
By multiplying the base by the height.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
What is a common use of parallelograms in real life?
In engineering, for mechanisms like parallelogram linkages.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Are rectangles considered more regular than general parallelograms?
Yes, due to their uniform angles and symmetry.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Is a rectangle's perimeter different from other parallelograms?
It depends on the side lengths, but the calculation method is the same.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Why are rectangles preferred in architecture and design?
For their simplicity and structural stability.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Do rectangles fit into any other geometric classifications?
They are also considered quadrilaterals.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Can parallelograms have all angles equal?
Yes, but then they become rectangles or squares.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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