Year 5 | Nets of 3D Shapes Worksheets | KS2 Geometry: Properties ... - Free Printable

Let’s solve each part step by step.

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Question 1: Which net folds into a cube?

A cube has 6 square faces. A valid net must have exactly 6 squares arranged so they can fold without overlapping to form a closed box.

Look at the options:

- First option (cross shape): This is the classic “T” or cross-shaped net — it works! It has 6 squares, and when folded, each becomes a face of the cube.
- Second option (zigzag with gaps): Has only 5 squares? Wait — let’s count: top row 4, bottom row 2 under middle two → that’s 6. But this arrangement leaves gaps when folding — it won’t close properly. Actually, this is NOT a valid cube net.
- Third option (vertical strip with side squares): Let’s visualize — if you fold the sides up, the top and bottom might not meet. Actually, this one also doesn’t work — it’s missing a face or overlaps.

✔ The first net (the cross) is the correct one for a cube.

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Question 2: Which net folds into a cuboid?

A cuboid is like a stretched cube — still 6 rectangular faces, but not all same size. In the picture, the cuboid shown is taller than wide — so its net should reflect that.

Options:

- First net: Looks like 3 rectangles in a row, with one attached to left and right of middle rectangle — total 5? Wait, no — actually, it’s 3 vertical rectangles, then one on left of top, one on right of bottom? That’s messy. Probably not.
- Second net: Cross shape again — but made of rectangles. If we assume the center rectangle is front/back, and arms are sides/top/bottom — yes, this can fold into a cuboid. The proportions match the tall orange cuboid shown.
- Third net: Two rows of 3 rectangles — this would make a flat box, maybe too short? Doesn’t match the tall cuboid.

✔ The second net (cross-shaped with rectangles) matches the tall cuboid.

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Wait — looking back at the image provided (even though I’m not describing it), based on standard nets:

For Question 1 (cube): The correct net is the first one — the cross shape with 6 squares.

For Question 2 (cuboid): The correct net is the second one — the cross shape made of rectangles, matching the height of the given cuboid.

But wait — let me double-check common nets.

Actually, for cubes, there are 11 possible nets. The cross is one. The zigzag (like stairs) is another — but in the image, the second option for cube looks like a “staircase” of 4 squares with 2 below — that’s actually a valid net too? Hmm.

Wait — perhaps I need to be more precise.

In many worksheets, for cube nets:

- Option 1: Cross — VALID
- Option 2: Four in a row, with one above second and one below third — that’s also VALID? Actually, no — that causes overlap.

Standard rule: For a cube net, no more than 4 squares in a straight line, and must connect edge-to-edge without gaps.

Looking again:

First net (cross): ✔ Valid

Second net: Imagine folding — if you have four in a row, and attach one above the second and one below the third — when you fold, the top and bottom will clash. So INVALID.

Third net: Three in a column, with one on left of top, one on right of middle, one on left of bottom — that’s 6, but folding may leave open faces. Actually, this is also invalid.

So only first net works for cube.

For cuboid:

The cuboid shown is tall — so its net should have long rectangles for front/back/sides, and smaller ones for top/bottom.

Second net: Cross shape — if the vertical arm is longer, it could represent the height. Yes — this matches.

First net: Too many small rectangles — wouldn’t match the tall shape.

Third net: All same size? No — probably not.

✔ So answers are:

1. First net (cross)
2. Second net (cross with rectangles)

But wait — in some versions, the third net for cuboid might be correct? Let me think differently.

Perhaps I should just go with what’s commonly accepted.

Final decision:

For cube: Net 1 (cross)

For cuboid: Net 2 (the one that looks like a plus sign with rectangles)

Yes.

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Final Answer:
1. The first net (cross shape)
2. The second net (cross shape with rectangles)