Lesson Different types of parallelogram

In this lesson we will learn what is a parallelogram, how to identify a parallelogram, what are different types of parallelogram and properties associated with them.

Before looking into different types of parallelogram we should first try to understand what is a parallelogram.

What is a Parallelogram ?



In simplest terms a parallelogram is defined as a four-sided plane figure with opposite sides parallel. It is a close bound figure as shown in figure. Parallelogram differs from a quadrilateral because it has following special properties.

How to identify a parallelogram?

If any one of the following conditions takes place then we can call that quadrilateral a parallelogram:

1. If in a quadrilateral, there are two pairs of parallel sides, then it will be a parallelogram.

2. If in a quadrilateral, two pairs of opposite sides are of the same lengths, then it will be a parallelogram.

3. If in a quadrilateral, two pairs of opposite angles are same, then it will be a parallelogram.

4. If in a quadrilateral, the diagonals bisect each other, then it will be a parallelogram.

5. If in a quadrilateral, one pair of opposite sides which are parallel and equal in length, then it will be a parallelogram.

Properties of a parallelogram:

The properties associated to a parallelogram which will be true in all types of parallelogram are as follows:

1. Opposite sides are equal (AB=CD, AD=BC).

2.Opposite angles are equal (A=C, B=D).

3. Two opposite sides are equal and parallel (AB=CD, AB||CD).

4. Diagonals are divided in their intersection point into two (AO=OC, BO=OD).

Types of parallelogram:

The parallelogram are of following types according to some special properties associated to each one of them.


1. Square :



A square is a special type of parallelogram. The properties associated to a square are:

1. All sides are equal in length.

2. Each angle in a square is 90 degrees.

3. Diagonals of square bisect each other at right angles.

4. The area of square is square of side.

2. Rectangle :



1. Opposite sides are equal in length.

2. Each angle in a rectangle is 90 degrees.

3. The diagonals of rectangle bisect each other at right angles.

4. The area of rectangle is product of length and breadth.

3. Rhombus :



1. All sides are equal in length.

2. No angle is equal to 90 degrees.

3. The diagonals bisect each other and intersect at right angles.

4. The area of a rhombus is product of base and height of the perpendicular.

To learn how to distinguish between different type of parallelogram refer to link