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Draw 2D shapes

Part of Maths2D shapesYear 3

Drawing 2D shapes

2D shapes can be different sizes and have different properties.

They might have straight edges, round curves, pointy corners, but they are always flat.

By looking at their different features, you can draw many different 2D shapes.

Five 2D shapes, a square, triangle, circle, semicircle and irregular polygon.
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Activity: How to draw 2D shapes

Why not see how much you know about this topic already? Then complete the page and see if you can beat your score.

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Drawing 2D shapes

When you draw a shape, think about:

  • How many sides it has.
  • How long each side is.
  • How many angles or corners it has.
  • The type of angles it has - obtuse, acute or right angles.

Use your ruler to measure sides accurately. Always start measuring from 0, not just the end of the ruler.

A pencil drawing a triangle using a ruler as a guide as it finishes the third side of the triangle. There is a square set against one of the angles showing that it is obtuse.

If you need to draw a right angle, you could use something that already has a right angle to help you, such as the corner of a book or a piece of paper.

You could also use an item like this to check right angles, acute angles and obtuse angles in your shapes, too.

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Example 1

A child looking thoughtful next to a ruler.

Imagine you need to draw an 8cm line to start drawing a 2D shape.

What steps should you follow to measure and draw the line using a ruler?

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Example 2

A pencil and two lines. The lines form the two top sides of a triangle. It looks like the roof of a house.

Imagine you don't have a set square, but need to draw a right angle using a pen or pencil.

What item could you use to help draw the correct angle?

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Example 3

Some shapes contain acute angles which are smaller than a right angle.

Some contain obtuse angles which are bigger than a right angle.

Two irregular polygons. The first has an obtuse angle highlighted which is labelled obtuse. The second has an acute angle highlighted which is labelled acute.

How can you check if an angle is obtuse or acute?

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Use your times tables and more maths skills to defeat monsters and reclaim the Kingdom of Mathematica

Play our fun maths game Guardians: Defenders of Mathematica
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More on 2D shapes

Find out more by working through a topic