A cube net
A cube net needs 6 equal square faces.
| Shape | Faces needed |
|---|---|
| cube | 6 equal squares |
If the faces are wrong, the net will not fold into the correct solid.
Year 6
Recognise, describe and build simple 3-D shapes, including making nets
Recognise how 2-D nets fold to make 3-D shapes.
Lesson overview
Geometry - properties of shape
A net is a flat pattern that can fold to make a 3-D shape. The faces must match and join correctly for the shape to close.
Match faces to the solid
A cuboid net uses rectangles that match the faces of the cuboid.
equal square faces
rectangular faces
The net tells you which faces the 3-D shape has.
Worked example
How can you tell a net will make a cube?
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 6 equal squares | all cube faces match |
| correct arrangement | faces can fold without overlap |
- Check that all faces are squares.
- Check that there are 6 faces.
- Make sure the arrangement can fold without gaps or overlap.
- Then the net can form a cube.
Try it
Think about the faces of the 3-D shape before deciding whether the net works.
Question 1
How many faces does a cube net need?
| Shape | Faces |
|---|---|
| cube | 6 |
Question 2
What shape are the faces of a cube?
Question 3
A cuboid net uses mostly:
squares
rectangles
Question 4
A net is:
Question 5
Why might a net fail?
| Possible issue |
|---|
| overlap or gap when folding |
Common mistakes
Watch for these when working through the lesson.
- Counting the wrong number of faces.
- Ignoring whether the faces match the solid.
- Assuming any group of squares makes a cube net.
Related topics
These ideas fit closely with this lesson.
- Draw 2-D shapes using given dimensions and angles.
- Compare and classify geometric shapes.