Grade 6 Math · Topic 58

Nets of 3-D Figures

A net is a 2-D pattern that folds up into a 3-D shape. It shows every face flattened out and connected at the edges. Nets are powerful because the total area of the net equals the surface area of the 3-D figure.

Lesson alignment: 6.G.A.4 · Take your time. You can return to this lesson whenever you need it.

Explore visually

Unfold a solid into a net

Choose a solid and inspect the flat faces that fold to make it.

Think first: How many faces should appear when this solid is unfolded?

Ready? Reveal the model and try your prediction

Swipe horizontally to see the full diagram.

Turn on JavaScript to adjust this model. The examples and practice below work without it.

Follow the worked examples

Read each step, then cover the explanation and see if you can explain why it works.

Worked example 1

How many faces does a rectangular prism have, and what does its net look like?

Start by writing the calculation clearly: 6 rectangular faces. The net is six rectangles arranged in a cross or T-shape, with opposite faces being congruent.

Answer: 6 rectangular faces.

Worked example 2

What 3-D figure does a net with 1 square and 4 triangles form?

A square pyramid: the square is the base; the four triangles meet at a single apex when folded.

Answer: Square pyramid

Try a few on your own

Work these on paper first. Open “Check” when you are ready to compare your answer.

  1. Net: 6 squares →
    Check

    Cube

  2. Net: 2 triangles + 3 rectangles →
    Check

    Triangular prism

  3. Net: 1 square + 4 triangles →
    Check

    Square pyramid

  4. Faces of a cube =
    Check

    6

  5. Faces of a triangular pyramid =
    Check

    4

  6. Faces of a triangular prism =
    Check

    5

  7. Faces of a rectangular prism =
    Check

    6

  8. Faces of a square pyramid =
    Check

    5

Try this situation 1

You unfold a cardboard box and see 6 rectangles, where the opposite ones match. What 3-D figure was it?

Show a worked solution

Answer: A rectangular prism.

Start by writing the calculation clearly: 6 rectangular faces in 3 matching pairs is the signature of a rectangular prism.

Try this situation 2

A net contains 2 congruent triangles and 3 rectangles. What is the figure?

Show a worked solution

Answer: A triangular prism.

Triangular prisms have 2 triangle bases and 3 rectangle sides.

Fresh questions · saved on this device

Practice this skill

12 question pool

Try a fresh set each time. Answer one question, check your thinking, and read the explanation. If you miss one, return to the visual model and try another round.

Choose a session length

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Check what you learned

Answer these five questions on your own. You can review the explanations after you submit and try again whenever you like. This short check is for practice, not a grade.

1. A cube net is made of 6 squares arranged in a “cross” pattern: one square in the center, with squares directly above, below, left, and right, plus one more attached to the right. How many faces does a cube have in total?

2. A net of a rectangular prism is unfolded and laid flat. How many faces does the net show?

3. A triangular prism net is unfolded to show all its faces. Which faces appear in the net?

4. How many rectangles must a complete net for a rectangular prism contain?

5. Each choice describes six unit squares joined edge to edge. Which arrangement cannot fold into a cube?

Practice and finish

Try the linked topic quiz for more practice. If something is tricky, return to the example and look for the step that changes the numbers or representation.

Open the practice quiz

Your checkmark, skill-practice sessions, and best exit-check score are saved on this browser and device. The course page can download a progress report to share with a tutor or teacher.

More Grade 6 resources

Use these free materials if you want another explanation, extra paper practice, or a broader review.

Browse free Grade 6 topic lessons ↗Print Grade 6 worksheets ↗Review Grade 6 flashcards ↗Open the formula review ↗Try the Geometry: Area, Surface Area & Volume quiz ↗Try a full practice test ↗