Cross sections of 3D shapes worksheet

Grade 7 math, Common Core 7.G.A.3. 8 problems with an answer key and worked steps. Free to print, and you can make new problems any time.

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Cross sections of 3D shapes

Grade 7 math, Common Core 7.G.A.3

Name the shape of each cross section.

1.
A cylinder is sliced straight down through its center, from top to bottom.
2.
A sphere is sliced anywhere.
3.
A triangular prism is sliced parallel to one of its rectangle faces.
4.
A square pyramid is sliced parallel to its base.
5.
A rectangular prism is sliced parallel to its base.
6.
A triangular prism is sliced parallel to its triangle ends.
7.
A cube is sliced parallel to one face.
8.
A cylinder is sliced parallel to its base.

Answer key: Cross sections of 3D shapes

Grade 7 math. Each answer has a few worked steps, to help check the method as well as the answer.

1. A rectangle
2. A circle
3. A rectangle
4. A square
5. A rectangle
6. A triangle
7. A square
8. A circle

The answer key prints on its own page. You’re welcome to print and copy these worksheets for your own kids or class.

About cross sections of 3D shapes

A cross section is the flat shape you see when you slice straight through a 3D figure. Slicing parallel to the base usually gives a copy of the base, like a circle from a cylinder. Slicing the other way can give a completely different shape, like a rectangle from a cylinder cut top to bottom.

Example 1

A cone is sliced parallel to its base.

Answer: A circle

Example 2

A square pyramid is sliced straight down through its tip, parallel to one side of the base.

Answer: A triangle

Example 3

A rectangular prism is sliced parallel to one of its side faces.

Answer: A rectangle

Watch out for

Imagine cutting a block of cheese or a loaf of bread in the same direction.
Parallel to the base: the cross section has the same shape as the base.
Through the tip (vertex) of a cone or pyramid, top to bottom: a triangle.

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