Maths Library

Identifying 2D Shapes: Grade 2 math

This topic covers identifying and classifying common two-dimensional shapes by their properties. The worksheet practises recognising circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, and regular polygons.

Open in full editor

What this covers

Identifying 2D Shapes is taught in Grade 2 (age 7 to 8) as a main teaching focus. It sits in the Geometry strand.

Worked example

How many sides does a regular hexagon have

  1. Recall that a hexagon is a polygon named from the Greek prefix hex- meaning six
  2. Count or state the number of straight sides

Answer: 6

Difficulty scale

The sheet generator offers five difficulty settings for this topic.

  1. Recognising basic shapes: circle, square, triangle, rectangle
  2. Identifying pentagons, hexagons, and octagons
  3. Counting sides and vertices on regular 2D polygons
  4. Distinguishing quadrilaterals: rhombus, parallelogram, trapezium
  5. Classifying polygons based on parallel sides and equal angles

Common mistakes

  • Thinking a shape changes name when rotated (e.g. calling a rotated square a diamond)
  • Confusing vertices (corners) with edges or sides

Curriculum links

Indicative matches to Common Core State Standards. Check wording and codes against the official document.

  • 2.G.A.1 Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of angles or equal faces.

Sample sheet and answers

Six questions at the level's usual difficulty. Open the editor to change, add or regenerate any of them.

Identifying 2D Shapes

Grade 2 math

Qs
6
Marks
12
NameDateScore / 12
1.
Name a shape with 4 sides.
[2]
2.
How many sides does this shape have?
[2]
3.
Name a shape with 3 sides.
[2]
4.
Name a shape with 6 sides.
[2]
5.
How many sides does this shape have?
[2]
6.
How many sides does this shape have?
[2]

Answer key

  1. square or rectangleA shape with 4 sides is called a quadrilateral, such as a square or rectangle
  2. 4Count the straight edges: 4
  3. triangleA shape with 3 sides is called a triangle
  4. hexagonA shape with 6 sides is called a hexagon
  5. 8Count the straight edges: 8
  6. 3Count the straight edges: 3