What is a prism?

A prism is a solid shape that has the same cross-section all the way through: two identical flat ends joined by rectangular faces. It is named after the shape of its ends, so a triangular prism has triangle ends and a rectangular prism (a cuboid) has rectangle ends.

Examples

• A triangular prism has two triangle ends, like a tent or a Toblerone box.
• A cuboid is a rectangular prism.
• Slicing a prism anywhere along its length gives the same shape.

Quick facts

• A prism has the same cross-section from one end to the other.
• A cylinder is like a prism with circular ends, though its sides are curved.