Classify Quadrilaterals

What to look for

A quadrilateral is any polygon with 4 sides. To classify one, check its side lengths, angle sizes, and whether any sides are parallel.

Step-by-step method

1. Count the sides to confirm it is a quadrilateral.
2. Look for equal sides:
   • 4 equal sides can suggest a rhombus or square.
   • 2 pairs of equal adjacent sides can suggest a kite.
3. Check the angles:
   • 4 right angles means rectangle or square.
4. Check parallel sides:
   • 1 pair of parallel sides: trapezoid.
   • 2 pairs of parallel sides: parallelogram, rectangle, rhombus, or square.
5. Use the most specific name that fits all the facts.

Helpful reminders

• A square is both a rectangle and a rhombus.
• A rectangle has 4 right angles.
• A rhombus has 4 equal sides.
• A parallelogram has both pairs of opposite sides parallel.

Check your answer

Make sure your chosen name matches every given property. If more than one name fits, pick the most specific one.