Skill: Describe shapes by vertices

Explanation and Free Practice Resources

A vertex is a point or corner where two straight sides of a two-dimensional shape meet. Learners identify and count the vertices of familiar shapes, such as triangles, rectangles, squares, and other simple polygons, regardless of their size or orientation, while recognizing that a circle has no vertices; formal angle measures, complex polygons, and three-dimensional vertices are beyond this understanding.

Detailed Explanation: Describe shapes by vertices

A vertex is a corner where two straight sides meet.

To count vertices:

  1. Start at one corner.
  2. Touch or point to each corner as you go around the shape.
  3. Count each corner only once.

Example: How many vertices does this rectangle have?

Imagine a rectangle with corners labeled AA, BB, CC, and DD.

  • Corner AA is one vertex.
  • Corner BB is two vertices.
  • Corner CC is three vertices.
  • Corner DD is four vertices.

So, the rectangle has 44 vertices.

Remember: A shape can be turned or made bigger, but its number of vertices stays the same. A circle has no vertices because it has no corners.

Learn by doing: Describe shapes by vertices

Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill

Your results

Practice with unlimited practice problems

Count Vertices on 2D Shapes


    ?

    Download/Modify Free Grade 1 'Describe shapes by vertices' Worksheet

    Print this free 'Describe shapes by vertices' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.

    Units Teaching This Skill

    These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Describe shapes by vertices) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.

    Explore More Grade 1 Math