Quadrangle
Elementary School
Definition
Another name for a quadrilateral. This is a two dimensional shape that has four sides. Examples of quadrangles include parallelograms, rectangles, and squares.
Worked examples
\(\)A square with all sides \( 5 \) cm is a quadrangle.\(\)
Four sides and four angles make it a quadrangle; equal sides and right angles make it a square.
\(\)A trapezoid with bases \( 6 \) and \( 10 \) is also a quadrangle.\(\)
Any four-sided polygon qualifies — the sides don't need to be equal or parallel.
Common mistakes
- Only squares and rectangles are quadrangles. → Any four-sided polygon is a quadrangle. Trapezoids, rhombuses, and even irregular four-sided shapes are all quadrangles.
- A quadrangle must have parallel sides. → A quadrangle only needs four sides; no sides need to be parallel. Parallelograms are a special type, but not all quadrangles have parallel sides.
Where you'll use it next
You'll classify and work with quadrangles when studying polygon properties, area and perimeter formulas, coordinate geometry, and later in trigonometry and proofs involving quadrilaterals.
Found in 1 StudyPug lesson
Classifying Quadrilaterals: From Basics to Advanced Concepts
5th Grade5thGrade 5 Math placeholder
Dive into the world of quadrilaterals! Discover how to identify and classify various 4-sided shapes, understand their unique properties, and apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
See also
Reviewed by Pat Cheng, M.Ed. — StudyPug Curriculum Lead · Last updated June 6, 2026