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Rectangle vs. Trapezoid: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 29, 2024
A rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right angles and opposite sides equal, while a trapezoid (or trapezium) is a quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides.
Rectangle vs. Trapezoid

Key Differences

A rectangle is a parallelogram with four right angles, making it a specific type of quadrilateral. A trapezoid, on the other hand, is defined by having only one pair of parallel sides and does not generally have right angles.
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In a rectangle, opposite sides are not only parallel but also equal in length, contributing to its symmetry. A trapezoid's only requirement is one pair of parallel sides, with the other sides not necessarily being equal or parallel.
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The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length and width. For a trapezoid, the area is calculated as the average of the two parallel sides (the bases) multiplied by the height.
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The diagonals of a rectangle are equal in length and bisect each other. In a trapezoid, diagonals are generally not equal and do not bisect each other at right angles.
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Rectangles are commonly seen in everyday objects like books and screens, known for their regularity. Trapezoids are often used in truss designs or architecture, where irregular shapes are needed.
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Comparison Chart

Angles

Four right angles
At least one pair of non-right angles
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Sides

Opposite sides equal and parallel
Only one pair of parallel sides
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Area Calculation

Length x Width
0.5 x (Sum of parallel sides) x Height
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Diagonals

Equal length, bisect each other
Generally not equal, do not bisect each other
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Symmetry

Symmetrical shape
Asymmetrical, unless an isosceles trapezoid
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Rectangle and Trapezoid Definitions

Rectangle

A rectangle is a parallelogram with opposite sides equal and parallel.
The table's top is a rectangle.
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Trapezoid

In geometry, a trapezoid is a four-sided figure with two sides not parallel.
The student drew a trapezoid for her geometry assignment.
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Rectangle

A rectangle is a quadrilateral where diagonals are equal and bisect each other.
The artist drew a rectangle as the base for her design.
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Trapezoid

A trapezoid can be symmetrical if it is an isosceles trapezoid.
The isosceles trapezoid had two equal non-parallel sides.
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Rectangle

A rectangle is a four-sided shape with all right angles.
The window was shaped like a perfect rectangle.
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Trapezoid

A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides.
The architect designed a trapezoid-shaped garden.
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Rectangle

A rectangle is a common geometric shape found in everyday objects.
Her phone had a rectangular shape.
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Trapezoid

A trapezoid's area is calculated as half the product of the sum of its parallel sides and the height.
Calculating the area of the trapezoid required knowing its height.
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Rectangle

In geometry, a rectangle is defined by four right angles and equal opposite sides.
The math problem involved calculating the area of a rectangle.
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Trapezoid

A quadrilateral having two parallel sides.
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Rectangle

A four-sided plane figure with four right angles.
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Trapezoid

Chiefly British A trapezium.
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Rectangle

(geometry) Any quadrilateral having opposing sides parallel and four right angles.
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Trapezoid

(Anatomy) A small bone in the wrist, situated near the base of the index finger.
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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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Trapezoid

(Sports) An area in the shape of a trapezoid marked behind the goal line and the goal in ice hockey, where the goalie is allowed to play the puck.
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Rectangle

A four-sided figure having only right angles; a right-angled parallelogram.
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Trapezoid

A (convex) quadrilateral with two (non-adjacent) parallel sides.
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Rectangle

Rectangular.
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Trapezoid

A convex quadrilateral with no sides parallel.
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Rectangle

A parallelogram with four right angles
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Trapezoid

(anatomy) The trapezoid bone of the wrist.
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Trapezoid

A plane four-sided figure, having two sides parallel to each other.
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Trapezoid

A bone of the carpus at the base of the second metacarpal, or index finger.
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Trapezoid

Having the form of a trapezoid; trapezoidal; as, the trapezoid ligament which connects the coracoid process and the clavicle.
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Trapezoid

Of or pertaining to the trapezoid ligament; as, the trapezoid line.
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Trapezoid

A quadrilateral with two parallel sides
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Trapezoid

The wrist bone between the trapezium and the capitate bones
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Trapezoid

Trapezoids are used in construction and architecture for their unique shape.
The bridge featured trapezoid-shaped supports.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

What defines a rectangle?

A rectangle is defined by having four right angles and opposite sides of equal length.
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Jan 29, 2024

What is a trapezoid?

A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides.
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Jan 29, 2024

How is the area of a trapezoid calculated?

Half the sum of the parallel sides multiplied by the height.
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How do you calculate the area of a rectangle?

Multiply its length by its width.
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Can a trapezoid have right angles?

Yes, but it is not required.
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What is an isosceles trapezoid?

A trapezoid with two non-parallel sides of equal length.
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Are rectangles used in architecture?

Yes, they are commonly used due to their regular shape.
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Are all sides of a rectangle equal?

No, only opposite sides are equal.
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Is a square a rectangle?

Yes, a square is a special type of rectangle with all sides equal.
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Do the diagonals of a trapezoid bisect each other?

Not necessarily, and they are generally not equal.
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Can trapezoids be symmetrical?

Yes, if they are isosceles trapezoids.
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What is the difference in diagonals between a rectangle and a trapezoid?

Rectangle diagonals are equal and bisect each other; trapezoid diagonals generally do not.
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Jan 29, 2024

Are all rectangles parallelograms?

Yes, since they have two pairs of parallel sides.
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Are the diagonals of a rectangle equal?

Yes, they are equal in length.
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Do rectangles have rotational symmetry?

Yes, by 180 degrees.
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Can a trapezoid have non-parallel sides of equal length?

Yes, in an isosceles trapezoid.
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Is a trapezoid considered a regular polygon?

No, because its sides and angles are not all equal.
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Where are trapezoids commonly seen?

In architectural designs and bridge constructions.
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What makes a trapezoid unique in geometry?

Its single pair of parallel sides sets it apart from other quadrilaterals.
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What are real-world examples of rectangles?

Books, screens, and doors are often rectangular.
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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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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