Parallelogram vs. Rectangle: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Published on December 25, 2023
A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with opposite sides parallel; a rectangle is a parallelogram with all angles right angles.
Key Differences
A parallelogram is a four-sided shape where opposite sides are parallel and equal in length. A rectangle is a specific type of parallelogram where all four angles are right angles (90 degrees).
In a parallelogram, opposite angles are equal, but the angles need not be right angles. In a rectangle, each angle is exactly 90 degrees, making it a regular form of parallelogram.
The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other but are not necessarily equal. In a rectangle, the diagonals are equal in length, reflecting its more symmetrical properties.
A parallelogram can take various shapes, including a slanted rectangular shape, but does not have to have right angles. A rectangle, however, is always an equiangular parallelogram, with all angles and opposite sides equal.
The area of a parallelogram is calculated by base times height (not necessarily perpendicular). For a rectangle, the area is calculated by length times width, with width being perpendicular to length.
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Comparison Chart
Angles
Opposite angles equal, not necessarily 90°
All angles are 90°
Sides
Opposite sides are parallel and equal
All opposite sides are parallel and equal
Diagonals
Bisect each other, not necessarily equal
Equal in length and bisect each other
Shape Variability
Can be slanted, no right angle requirement
Always equiangular, with right angles
Area Calculation
Base times height
Length times width
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Parallelogram and Rectangle Definitions
Parallelogram
A quadrilateral with both pairs of opposite sides parallel.
She cut the paper into a parallelogram.
Rectangle
A parallelogram with four right angles.
The garden was designed in a perfect rectangle.
Parallelogram
A flat shape with straight sides where opposite sides are parallel.
The parallelogram's properties were crucial in solving the problem.
Rectangle
A shape where the length is greater than the width, with right angles.
The tablecloth was cut in the shape of a rectangle.
Parallelogram
A four-sided figure with opposite sides parallel.
The parallelogram on the board had equal but slanted sides.
Rectangle
A four-sided figure with opposite sides equal and all angles 90 degrees.
He drew a rectangle to demonstrate a right angle.
Parallelogram
A shape where opposite sides are equal in length and parallel.
The artist's parallelogram installation explored geometric forms.
Rectangle
A quadrilateral with equal opposite sides and right angles.
The windows of the building were shaped like rectangles.
Parallelogram
A quadrilateral with opposite angles equal.
In geometry class, we learned how to calculate the area of a parallelogram.
Rectangle
A flat shape with four straight sides and four right angles.
She arranged the tiles in a rectangle pattern.
Parallelogram
A four-sided plane figure with opposite sides parallel.
Rectangle
A four-sided plane figure with four right angles.
Parallelogram
(geometry) A convex quadrilateral in which each pair of opposite edges are parallel and of equal length.
Rectangle
(geometry) Any quadrilateral having opposing sides parallel and four right angles.
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.)
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.
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.
Rectangle
A four-sided figure having only right angles; a right-angled parallelogram.
Parallelogram
A quadrilateral whose opposite sides are both parallel and equal in length
Rectangle
Rectangular.
Rectangle
A parallelogram with four right angles
FAQs
Are the angles in a parallelogram equal?
Opposite angles are equal, but adjacent angles are supplementary (add up to 180 degrees).
Is a square a parallelogram?
Yes, a square is a special type of parallelogram with equal sides and angles.
What is a parallelogram?
A parallelogram is a four-sided shape with opposite sides that are parallel and equal in length.
Does a parallelogram have symmetry?
It has line symmetry along its diagonals.
Are all sides of a parallelogram equal?
Not necessarily. Opposite sides are equal, but adjacent sides can be different.
Are the diagonals of a parallelogram equal?
No, they are not necessarily equal but they bisect each other.
Can a parallelogram be a rhombus?
Yes, if all sides are equal, it's a rhombus, which is a type of parallelogram.
Can a rectangle be a square?
Yes, if all sides are equal, it becomes a square.
Can a parallelogram have right angles?
Yes, if all angles are right angles, it is a special type of parallelogram called a rectangle.
How does a parallelogram differ from a rectangle?
In a rectangle, all angles are right angles, which is not a requirement for a parallelogram.
Are all sides of a rectangle equal?
Opposite sides are equal, but adjacent sides can be different.
How do you calculate the area of a rectangle?
Area = length × width.
Is a rectangle always a parallelogram?
Yes, by definition, a rectangle is a type of parallelogram.
How do you calculate the area of a parallelogram?
Area = base × height.
What is the perimeter formula for a rectangle?
Perimeter = 2(length + width).
What is a rectangle?
A rectangle is a parallelogram with four right angles.
Are all angles in a rectangle equal?
Yes, all four angles are equal to 90 degrees.
How many lines of symmetry does a rectangle have?
Two, along the midpoints of opposite sides.
Does a rectangle have rotational symmetry?
Yes, it has rotational symmetry of 180 degrees.
Are the diagonals of a rectangle equal?
Yes, they are equal in length and bisect each other.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
