Difference Between Square and Rhombus

The main difference between square and rhombus is of angles and diagnols. Both shapes have four equal sides, but a square must have four 90° angles and diagonals that are the same length. Only the opposite angles in a rhombus are the same, and the diagonals might be different lengths.

There are a lot of shapes in geometry that appear like cousins. The square and rhombus are perhaps the closest cousins in the quadrilateral family. To someone who doesn't know much about maths, they both look like "diamonds" or tilted boxes, which makes maths assignments hard to understand. 

For Class 7 students, the main problem is figuring out why a shape with four equal sides isn't usually termed a square. Knowing the difference between a square and a rhombus is very important since it alters how you find the area and how you employ characteristics in geometric proofs. This guide uses simple language and straightforward examples to explain the similarities and differences between these things.

What is a Square?

A square is a quadrilateral that is the same on all sides. This signifies that it is properly balanced. You can observe that all four sides of a chessboard, a floor tile, or a square sticky note are the same length and that each corner produces a perfect "L" shape (90 degrees).

• Side Lengths: All four sides are the same.

• Interior Angles: The four angles inside are all exactly 90°.

• Diagonals: The diagonals are the same length and cross each other at a right angle.

We don't usually see different kinds of square forms since a square has to follow these rigorous rules to stay a square. But they can be various sizes or point in different ways.

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What is a Rhombus?

People often call a rhombus a "slanted square." It has the same "equal sides" feature as a square, but its angles can be changed more easily. Examples of rhombus shape are diamond on a deck of cards or a kite-shaped earring.

• Side Lengths: The lengths of the sides are all the same, like a square.

• Interior Angles: Only the angles that are opposite each other are the same. They don't have to be 90°.

• Diagonals: The diagonals aren't the same length, but they do cross each other at a right angle.

In geometry, you might see rhombuses that look like very "skinny" diamonds or ones that look almost like squares. 

Read More - Perimeter of Rhombus - Formula, Properties, and Examples

How to differentiate between Square and Rhombus?

This comparison table can help you see the difference between a square and a rhombus more clearly:

Read More - Perimeter of Square - Formula, Definition, Examples

Important Formulas for Calculations

The way you figure out how big these shapes are changes a little depending on what you know.

For the Square

Since all sides are equal, the area and perimeter of square formulas are straightforward:

• Perimeter: $4 \times \text{side}$

• Area: $\text{side} \times \text{side}$ (or $\text{side}^2$)

For the Rhombus

Since the angles are not always 90°, we usually use the diagonals to find the size. The area of rhombus formula is:

• Area: $\frac{1}{2} \times d_1 \times d_2$ (where $d_1$ and $d_2$ are the lengths of the diagonals).

• Perimeter: $4 \times \text{side}$ (Same as a square).

Why the Confusion Happens

A square is a unique kind of rhombus, which is why many are confused. Think of the "Rhombus" as a big family. A square is just a member of that family who chose to stand up absolutely straight with corners that are 90 degrees. You can use the area of a rhombus formula on a square and get the right answer, but you can't always apply the area of a square formula on a rhombus.

Examples of square and rhombus shape in real life

Finding these shapes in the real world helps you understand the idea better.

• Example of square: Rubik's cube faces, window panes, and bread slices.

• Rhombus shape examples: The "Diamond" traffic sign, certain types of jewellery, and the pattern on a harlequin costume.

By spotting these in the world around you, you will notice that different rhombus shapes can be stretched or squashed, while squares always maintain that perfect, rigid box shape.

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