exit cube
exit cylinder
exit cone
Select a 3D (three-dimensional)
figure to explore. Use the sliders to manipulate the
plane to find the cross sections
indicated for each figure.

Cube

triangle

square

rectangle

trapezoid

pentagon

hexagon

Cylinder

rectangle

circle

ellipse

elliptical shape

Cone

triangle

circle

ellipse

elliptical shape

parabolic shape

A cross section is a two-dimensional shape resulting from the intersection of a plane and a three-dimensional figure. Cross sections can vary in shape and size depending on the placement and orientation of the plane.

A cross section is a two-dimensional shape resulting from the intersection of a plane and a three-dimensional figure. Cross sections can vary in shape and size depending on the placement and orientation of the plane.
lable for tilt, spin, rise
Click on a shape to reveal one way it can be created as a cross section.