Match Solids to Nets

Match solids to nets

A net is a flat pattern that can be folded to make a 3D solid. To match a solid to its net, look at the faces, their shapes, and how they connect.

1) Identify the solid

Notice whether the solid has:

• square, rectangular, triangular, or circular faces
• the same number of faces meeting at each edge
• curved surfaces or only flat faces

2) Examine the net

A good net must have the same faces as the solid. Check:

• the number of faces
• the shapes of those faces
• which faces are attached to which

3) Test the fold mentally

Imagine folding the net along the edges.

• Do the faces come together without overlap?
• Do the edges line up correctly?
• Does the folded shape match the solid?

4) Use a process of elimination

If a net is missing a face, has an extra face, or places faces in an impossible arrangement, it cannot match.

Check your answer

After choosing a match, verify that every face of the solid appears exactly once in the net and that the net can fold into the correct 3D shape.